Jodie took a sip of her tequila before saying with a smile, “Wendy, I heard Tessa’s got herself a boyfriend now. Does that mean things are looking good between you and Zachary?”

The bar’s dim lighting hid Wendy’s gloomy expression in the shadows. She forced a smile as her eyes glinted coldly.

Jodie had definitely asked that question on purpose.

Everyone in their social circle was well aware of Zachary’s suicide attempt and exactly why he did it. So, there was no way Jodie hadn’t heard about it.

Jodie only posed that question to trip Wendy up.

Wendy knew Jodie was trouble, but still!

Her face twisted into a snarl before she composed herself and replied, “Not really. Zachary’s company has just gotten back on track. He’s been so swamped with work recently that he barely has any time for me.”

“Is that so?” Jodie tittered. “Oh, that’s right. I did hear something about Zachary getting himself admitted into the hospital. He must’ve collapsed due to exhaustion. Gosh, I’ve been so busy recently that I couldn’t spare a moment to visit him at Rivertown.

“Andy mentioned that Zachary wasn’t doing too hot, what with Zachary being hospitalized for several days… What exactly happened there?”

Wendy’s face darkened at her backhanded jabs.

However, she played it cool as she flicked her hair over her shoulder. “It’s nothing major. He’s been overworking himself recently, and his immune system suffered because of it. So, he caught a bit of a cold now that Rivertown has gotten chilly.” Jodie covered her mouth and gasped theatrically. “Oh my! He was hospitalized because of a cold? He really does need to take care of himself better, then.” Wendy calmed herself and inquired idly, “By the way, how are things with your boyfriend, Jodie?”

As Wendy expected, Jodie’s demeanor did a complete 180 as she ground out, “We broke up.”

Jodie had a very interesting specimen for a boyfriend named Eugene Marlow. He was three years younger than her and worked as an escort. Jodie had been captivated by his tall stature and attractive face at first sight.

In fact, it only took Eugene a few sweet nothings to sweep Jodie right off her feet. Sure enough, she fell for him after picking him to attend to her whenever she was at the nightclub.

Nevertheless, Wendy later heard from her gossip buddies that Eugene was barely five feet eight and had been wearing platform shoes with additional padding while on the job.

Jodie’s family ran a company, and she owned a mid-to-high-end range boutique. To the masses, she was considered a rich woman.

Thus, Eugene quit his job after getting together with Jodie and moving into her villa. He then spent his days fazing about and doing absolutely nothing. He would occasionally mess around in bed with female influencers when Jodie wasn’t looking. Worse yet, he did it all using Jodie’s money.

Wendy deliberately mimicked Jodie’s gesture from earlier, covering her mouth with a giggle. goodness! You’ve finally ended

“Oh,

avelm

jet

things with Eugene after he

repeatedly cheated on you. Ieally feet for you. I heard he even hinted at wanting a Ducati. Gosh, the audacity of that guy, right?”

Jodie’s face was thunderous, but she said nothing in response.

Wendy continued, “I heard those are expensive, and one bike alone costs hundreds of thousands. I don’t get it-it’s just a bike. Why is it so pricey? I also heard he flirted with… Who was it again? Oh, that influencer who went viral recently! He pretended to be single and got caught red-handed.

“It’s a good thing you broke up with him. You were right to do so, Jodie. Cheers!”

Wendy’s eyes glinted mockingly as she raised her glass and clinked it with Jodie’s. She thought to herself, “Tried to mess with me, did you? You’re way out of your weight class, girl.”

Wendy sipped her drink as her mind whirled at the implications behind Jodie’s blatant disrespect. Her actions also meant everyone in their social circle laughed at her behind her back. She had to win Zachary over and throw their loving relationship at their faces!

Stephen brought Tessa to visit the Jacobsons the following day.

Sophia, Stephen’s mother, welcomed them with open arms. “Tess, you’re here! Please have a seat. It’s been a while since we last met. How have you been?” Tessa followed Sophia to the couch and sat down. “I’ve been well.”

Sophia sat beside Tessa, patting her hand affectionately as they chatted about their lives.

The staff served them tea, and Tessa took a sip before smiling as she continued chatting with Sophia.

Stephen sat on Tessa’s other side, casually crossing his legs and resting his arms behind the couch once he was comfortable.

He looked like a languid cat. “Is my father not home yet?”