Chapter 23: She Doesn’t Know Him, Right?
A Familiar Face at the Gate
Sonya found Lily Lane standing at the villa’s entrance, locked in a lively argument with a security guard.
Dressed in a leather jacket, skirt, and boots, Lily looked strikingly bold, her hands animated as she spoke.
“Seraphina and I grew up together! High school, college—you name it! I know all her dirty laundry.”
The guard looked intrigued.
“You like her TV dramas? Hah! Melodramatic acting at its finest. How could I possibly say anything bad about her? We’re such close friends.”
Lily’s sarcasm was dripping.
“That thing with the actor Li… yeah, she’s always had a habit of snatching other people’s things. Maybe she thinks other people’s husbands are more interesting.”
Sonya sighed. The security guard was hooked.
Before Lily could spill even more, Sonya quickly pulled her aside.
“Lily!”
The security guard, looking disappointed, cleared his throat.
“Miss, you should come by the security office for tea sometime.”
Lily grinned.
“Olivorre, let’s continue this later.”
Sonya gave her a pointed look, then eyed the two large suitcases.
“Are you moving back to New York?”
Lily sighed.
“Just me.”
“What do you mean?”
“I divorced Li Chaoan.”
Sonya stiffened.
“When did that happen?”
“Five days ago. He cheated.”
“How did you find out?”
Lily let out a sudden burst of laughter.
“I opened the door.”
Sonya blinked.
“…What?”
Lily, still laughing, waved a hand.
“It’s an online meme.”
Sonya shook her head as they walked toward the villa. But before they reached the entrance—
A Clash with Julian Jennings
Julian Jennings stepped out, dragging the trash behind him.
Lily’s mood shifted instantly.
Before Sonya could stop her, Lily marched forward.
“Hey, second master of Jennings! Long time no see! Remember me?
She grinned.
“Lily Lane—the one who punched you into the hospital! Ring any bells?”
Julian stiffened.
“Did you pluck that hair from a flamingo?” he scoffed, eyeing her fiery red highlights.
Lily rolled her eyes.
“Still the same annoying attitude, huh? I hear you’ve unlocked a new identity—modern-day Chen Shimei!”
Julian’s jaw tightened.
“You’d better watch your mouth.”
Lily stepped closer, unfazed.
“Angry? Guilty? Hiding behind your good reputation while doing bad things? Typical.”
Julian glared.
“You’re speaking gibberish!”
Lily smirked.
“You’re the bird-brain! You’re not even human! I warned you not to bully Sonya! You didn’t listen! Looks like I need to send you back to the ICU for a refresher!”
She punched the air, ready to chase after him, but Sonya held her back.
“Lily, don’t waste your energy. I’ve already made things clear with him.”
Lily huffed.
“Clear? You should have sent him to the hospital directly!”
Sonya sighed and pulled her inside.
Late-Night Talks & Noodles
The villa was still under renovation, but the second floor was ready.
Sonya led Lily to a guest room.
“Have you eaten?”
Lily shrugged.
“Saving my appetite for drinks with Jake Parker tonight.”
Sonya admired Lily’s resilience.
Despite her heartbreaking divorce, she could still laugh, fight, and move forward.
Still, Sonya insisted.
A short while later, Lily sat in the upstairs living room, slurping a bowl of noodles.
“Your good wife and mother act is why Julian thinks you’re easy to bully.”
Sonya smiled.
“Do you like the noodles?”
Lily paused—then sighed.
“Delicious.”
“Then eat. Don’t talk about him anymore.”
Lily chuckled and pointed around.
“Your fiancé is generous. He gave you this?”
Sonya nodded.
“You don’t think I faked the deed?”
Lily snorted.
“You wouldn’t bother.”
She paused, then squinted.
“What’s he like?”
Sonya froze.
“…I don’t know.”
Lily’s eyes widened.
“What do you mean?”
“…We haven’t met.”
Lily stared—then gave her a huge thumbs-up.
“Before even meeting, he gives you a villa? That’s at least reliable.”
Sonya sighed.
“Actually, I feel guilty.”
Lily scoffed.
“Don’t be silly. Know how much I got from my divorce?”
“A lot?”
Lily held up three fingers.
“Three hundred million.”
Sonya blinked.
“…That’s—”
“In debt.”
Sonya frowned.
“How?”
“I was stupid. He swindled me.”
Lily sighed.
“So cherish a guy like your fiancé. At least he’s not scamming you.”
Sonya felt a strange wave of emotions.
“What are you going to do?”
Lily grinned.
“Brave the entertainment industry. Start over.”
She had acted before—but only in minor roles.
Sonya nodded.
“I still have some money.”
Lily grinned.
“Then help me rent an apartment.”
A Chance Meeting at the Bar
That night, Lily dragged Sonya to Jake Parker’s bar.
“I don’t have resources or connections. Going solo is impossible. I need an agency.”
Sonya nodded.
“Oh.”
Lily chuckled.
“I’m not that young anymore. Just showing up at agencies won’t work.”
“So?”
“Jake says the CEO of JoyPlus Entertainment is here tonight. He’ll introduce us.”
As they entered the bar, Sonya’s stomach dropped.
Across the room—
Julian Jennings and Seraphina West were sitting in the courtyard.
“Sonya! How did you know we were here? Come sit!” Seraphina called out, voice dripping with false warmth.
Sonya ignored her.
Lily, however, pulled her toward them.
“Old classmate, you don’t recognize me?”
Seraphina froze.
Then, her eyes widened.
“…Lily?! Wow! You’ve changed! Did you get plastic surgery?”
Lily laughed.
“Plastic surgery? Unlike you, I haven’t had a nose job.”
Seraphina’s smile stiffened.
Sonya sighed. This was exhausting.
Then—
A new voice entered the conversation.
“Seraphina, Julian—look who I brought.”
Sonya turned.
Standing before her was Luna Stone, Seraphina’s friend.
Beside her—
A tall, handsome mixed-race man in casual white clothing.
When he looked at Sonya—
He smiled.
Sonya’s breath caught.
Because—
She didn’t recognize him.
