Chapter 102

Meanwhile, Sean relentlessly tagged Julian in the group chat. Seeing this, Roseanne chuckled smugly. Sophie, having just entered the living room and noticing her daughter's delight, assumed Julian had finally responded. She teased, “What’s got you so happy, honey?”

Roseanne, with a gleeful smirk, handed Sophie her phone. "Julian's dear wife is getting cozy with another man, and Sean just blasted the photos in the group chat for Julian to see."

The thought of Julian's reaction almost made her feel sorry for Rosalie. No one had ever dared to so publicly humiliate Julian. Even if he didn't care for Rosalie, he wouldn't tolerate his ex-wife's public indiscretions.

Sophie laughed, enjoying the drama. “Perfect. Now that Julian’s seen those photos, Rosalie can kiss any chance of reconciliation goodbye.” Roseanne, previously in a foul mood, felt her spirits lift.

She eagerly scrolled down, wanting to see Julian's reaction. Before she found it, however, she saw something else—Sean and Emilia mocking her while praising Rosalie.

Her smile vanished. What the hell! Talking trash about me to my face? Do they think I’m dead? Sean and Emilia must be blind. Comparing Rosalie to me? Oh, please!

Roseanne's hands trembled with rage. She desperately wanted to confront them.

But then she remembered Julian was in the group. She couldn't afford to lose her composure in front of him. She hadn't seen him in three years and wouldn't let him think she'd become unhinged.

Taking a deep breath, she calmed herself and sent a message:

Roseanne: [Hey, everyone. Long time no see. I’m back. Let’s catch up over dinner sometime.]

The previously buzzing chat group fell silent.

Sean froze. Wait, Roseanne? When did she join? Why didn't anyone tell me?

Panicked, he immediately direct-messaged Matteo:

Sean: Dude, when did Roseanne join the chat? Why didn’t you warn me?

Matteo: Right when you were spamming those photos. Didn’t you see the notification?

Sean scrolled up and found the system message announcing Roseanne's addition. He'd been too busy messaging Julian to notice.

Now facing someone he'd just publicly insulted, Sean was unsure how to react. He wasn't a fan of Roseanne, but remaining silent after his comments felt incredibly awkward.

He hesitated, then decided to pretend nothing happened. Matteo, displaying more social grace, finally responded:

Matteo: Roseanne, welcome back. You’ll always be one of our closest friends. Let us know if you ever need anything.

Roseanne waited, expecting more responses. Besides Matteo, the group remained unnervingly quiet. Then, to add insult to injury, Emilia tagged Matteo:

Emilia: If you want to do "clarity work," Matteo, that's on you. Don't drag us into it.

Roseanne's face contorted with anger. Her expression turned sharp and dark. She hissed, “Bitch Emilia.”