Chapter 129

“Dahlia, you can head up first. I’m waiting for a friend here,” Julie lied, dismissing Dahlia as they entered the hotel lobby. She knew Dahlia's presence would prevent her from attracting the attention she craved. How else would she meet the rich and famous, the eligible men she desired?

“Okay, I’ll be waiting for you in the banquet hall.” Dahlia, without a second thought, took the elevator.

With Dahlia gone, Julie instantly became the center of attention. She paraded through the lobby, flaunting herself coquettishly. Men approached, attempting conversation, but she rejected them all, playing hard to get.

“Hey, you’ve got such lovely earrings! May I know where you bought them?”

“Yes, that’s true! I’ve never seen such exquisite earrings before!”

“These rubies are huge! They must have cost a fortune!”

Soon, women joined the men, clamoring to admire the earrings. Women, as usual, couldn't resist jewelry.

“These ruby earrings are from Pandarum. My boyfriend gave them to me. They’re uniquely custom-made, the only pair in existence. As for the price… they weren't too expensive. Just a million or two,” Julie said, feigning nonchalance and smiling. Her words sounded humble, but arrogance was etched on her face.

“A million or two, and you say it’s not expensive? You’re certainly not your average Joe!”

“How fortunate you are to have a boyfriend who gives you such precious earrings!”

“It’s not the price that matters, but the sincerity! Custom-made and unique! How I envy you!”

The women chattered, praising Julie. This fueled her vanity, immensely pleasing her. She thrived on being the center of attention and receiving praise.

Just then, a Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up. An alluring woman with delicate features and long, flowing hair emerged, entering with the air of a celebrity among adoring fans.

“Miss Hummer?!”

Her arrival caused a commotion inside and outside the lobby. The crowd surrounding Julie instantly dispersed, flocking to Tina Hummer—Edwin Hummer’s daughter and the star of the day.

Julie intended to greet Tina, but the throng of people prevented her. She knew blending in wouldn't make her stand out; she needed to make Miss Hummer notice her. She positioned herself at the entrance, showcasing her most striking asset: the ruby earrings. This was her first step toward connecting with Miss Hummer. She assumed no woman could resist such irresistible jewelry.

As Julie predicted, Tina stopped before her, the crowd still surrounding her, her gaze fixed on Julie's earrings. Julie, suppressing her excitement, approached. “Hello, Miss Hummer. I am Julie Amberson. Pleased to meet you.” She extended her hand, but Tina ignored it, her eyes glued to the earrings.

“Those ruby earrings… where did you get them?” she asked icily.

“My boyfriend gave them to me. They’re custom-made Pandarums; you won’t find another pair. But of course, Miss Hummer, if you fancy them, I can give them to you,” Julie said, secretly delighted. Even the daughter of the wealthiest man can’t resist these earrings, she thought.

“Boyfriend?” Tina’s expression darkened. “Is it Matt Laney?” She’d received the exact same earrings from Matt as a birthday gift.

“Oh! You know Matt too, Miss Hummer? Then we’re friends!” Julie’s eyes lit up. Who knew a pair of earrings would be the key to my success?

“Who’s your friend? Bitch!”

Tina slapped Julie across the face. A loud smack echoed through the lobby. Julie, hand to her cheek, was speechless. “Miss Hummer, wh-why did you hit me?”

“What is your relationship with Matt Laney? Come clean. If you hide anything, you won’t live to see the sunrise!” Tina’s expression brooked no argument.

Chapter 120 (Note: The original text incorrectly labeled this as Chapter 120, but the content continues from Chapter 129)

She wouldn't let another woman interfere with what was hers.

“Miss Hummer, I think you’re mistaken. Matt and I are just friends, nothing more!” Julie stammered, flustered. She didn’t understand what had happened, but she’d clearly angered Tina.

“Would regular friends give you million-dollar ruby earrings? Do you think I’m an idiot?” Tina’s fury was palpable.

“It has nothing to do with me, Miss Hummer! These earrings aren’t mine; they’re my cousin Dahlia’s! I only borrowed them!” Seeing the situation worsening, Julie abandoned her pretense.

“Dahlia Nicholson?” Tina’s eyes narrowed. She remembered Matt mentioning that name when asking for her help with the interrogation room. She hadn't thought much of it then, but clearly, something fishy was going on.

“That bitch! She seduced my man and had the audacity to show up at my birthday party?! Is she trying to provoke me?” Tina gritted her teeth, a murderous glint in her eyes.

“It’s all Dahlia Nicholson’s fault, Miss Hummer. I’m innocent! Please let me go!” Julie was terrified, breaking into a cold sweat. She finally understood: Tina and Matt were a couple, and the earrings were the smoking gun.

“Shut up! Do as I say, or you’ll regret it!” Tina roared.

“Anything, Miss Hummer. I’ll do anything!” Julie promised wholeheartedly.

“Put this in Dahlia’s bag.” Tina handed Julie a delicate jewelry box.

“What do you mean, Miss Hummer?” Julie was confused.

“Don’t ask questions! Just do it!” Tina scolded. “Yes, yes,” Julie nodded vigorously. She was in no position to refuse.