Victoria’s unexpected visit to Julian.

"You are saying this!" Esme exclaimed with disbelief. "It was you who published that article, remember? You were so confident about their affairs. Now you are saying this. Because he helped you expose your rival?" 

"No, Esme, you are getting it wrong. I…" 

"I am tired," Esme said, interrupting her. "I'll talk to you later." 

She ended the call and tossed the phone on the bed. Disbelief twisted her features as she stormed into the bathroom. Even the soothing heat of the sauna couldn't penetrate the storm brewing inside her. Her mind replayed the conversation with Adelynn on a loop.

Esme couldn't fathom the sudden shift. Adelynn was the one who warned her to stay away from Silas, telling her about his connection to Lara Smith. She was now urging her to reconsider about her and Silas's relationship. It felt like a betrayal of their friendship and the trust they had built.