Cordelia turned around, then studied her face. She was Velma Barlow, Belinda’s old sidekick.
“I didn’t expect to see you here,” Velma said. “But hey, the necklace you’re wearing is the same as Belinda’s.”
She gasped like she’d uncovered some huge secret.
“Don’t tell me you copied her?”
Cordelia had already noticed the resemblance.
But Belinda’s aquamarine was resin–treated, and the stones weren’t diamonds.
It didn’t make sense. Why would Declan give her a fake?
Cordelia started to walk past, ready to find Eric, until Belinda chimed in.
“Velma, relax. I posted a photo yesterday.
“Cordelia probably saw it and got one too. No big deal.”
It sounded like a defense, but the subtext was clear–Cordelia was the copycat.
Belinda was such a bitch.
Cordelia didn’t tolerate cheap shots.
She turned, walked straight up, and lifted Belinda’s necklace.
“Belinda, this aquamarine’s resin–treated and acid–washed. And those stones are cubic zirconia.
“Aquamarine’s not rare, but acid treatments aren’t great for health. You might wanna stop wearing it.
“Also… the chain’s staining your neck.”
She paused and tilted her head. “See? Like this.”
The other women leaned in, eyes fixed on Belinda’s neck.
“Oh my god, she’s right,” one of them said.
“Belinda, your boyfriend gave you fake jewelry?” another blurted.
Belinda flushed, then turned pale. Without a word, she bolted for the bathroom.
Velma shot Cordelia a dirty look and hurried after her. “Belinda, wait!”
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Chapter 16
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Cordelia was ready to move on, but another woman with a heavily altered face strutted over.
She gave Cordelia a once–over and said loudly, “Wow, Cordelia. How many procedures did it take to keep your face looking this young?
“Facelift, high–intensity focused ultrasound, or the whole package?”
Back in school, Declan had been the golden boy, every girl’s crush.
When Cordelia ended up with him, plenty of them never got over it.
Their marriage, though, had been messy–constant fights and breaking things.
It became a running joke in their old circle.
Most assumed their marriage existed in name only.
Many didn’t think Cordelia would dare show up today.
But she did, and she looked stunning.
And that rubbed some people the wrong way.
Cordelia studied the woman’s face, then blinked in surprise.
“Oh my god. Natalie Garrison?
“What happened to your face? Your left cheek is too puffed, your jaw’s got a bump, and yeah, no wrinkles.
“But it’s so tight that you look like an alien.”
Cordelia gave a knowing smirk. “Too much growth factor, huh? You might wanna get that reversed before it spreads.”
Natalie whipped out a mirror, took one look, and noticed the flaws Cordelia had named.
Another woman chimed in, “Natalie, you really have gone overboard. Your face looks… off now.”
Natalie put the mirror back and shot Cordelia a sharp look.
“You don’t know anything.
“This is what’s trending. You country bumpkins wouldn’t get it.”
Cordelia raised an eyebrow. One more was out of the way.
Her gaze shifted to the last one, Jillian Davidson, whose face looked sallow.
“Cordelia, it’s been ages,” Jillian said.
Then she leaned forward, peering behind Cordelia. “Where is your husband? Didn’t he come with you?
“Declan’s still a catch. Don’t let anyone else take him.”
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Cordelia’s smile stayed bright and unbothered. “Jillian, it’s been twenty years, and you’ve lost your charm.
“Your face is all flat and saggy.
“No wonder your husband’s got a mistress and three kids on the side.”
Jillian spun around, furious, nearly tripping as she stormed off.
Cordelia grinned, savoring the win.
Declan had been watching from nearby, but she didn’t know.
She was alive, unapologetic, always smiling, and he couldn’t look away.
Cordelia wandered the grounds alone, admiring the flowers and chatting with old teachers.
About 15 minutes passed.
After a quick stop at the restroom, she stepped out and spotted Belinda with those women again.
Their faces were tight with irritation, voices low and bitter.
“Who does she think she is, acting all high and mighty?”
“Her sharp tongue will get her into trouble one day.”
“Look at her. No decent woman would dress like that.”
“No wonder Declan doesn’t like her.”
“Who would?”
Only then did Cordelia realize they’d been talking behind her back this whole time.
She was about to march over when a voice cut through the air behind her.
“Who says I don’t like her?”
It caught Cordelia and those women off guard,
They all turned.
“D–Declan?” someone cried in shock,
Velma’s eyes went wide. “You’re here?”
Belinda’s eyes were red from crying.
Her necklace was gone, but the dark stain on her neck was still there.
“Declan, that wasn’t Cordelia’s fault. Please don’t misunderstand.”
Her trembling voice and teary eyes were clearly meant to cast Cordelia as the villain.
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09:35
Chapter 16
Cordelia saw right through it.
She expected Declan to take Belinda’s side again.
Instead, he handed Cordelia a glass of lemonade and two small tablets.
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