‘Ravenshore’s a big place. It’s not unusual for people to look alike.’

Tessa dodged the subject entirely, refusing to let the conversation drift any closer to the truth. She knew full well what her family’s position in Ravenshore was. If word got out, what would happen to her social circle—the girls she used to mingle with? It would be the ultimate humiliation. Besides, now that people knew she was back, her mother would surely take care of the announcements. There was no need for her to worry about that. And if push really came to shove, she still had her trump card. She’d promised herself not to use it unless absolutely necessary.

But plans never keep up with change. Sometimes, one had to learn to adapt. With that thought, Tessa covered her face even faster. She didn’t want anyone to see her clearly. After all, she was back in her own city now—if she messed up here, it would be the most shameful thing imaginable. As the saying went, this would be disgrace right at her own doorstep. She couldn’t allow herself to be part of such a farce. She didn’t have the pride left to sustain it.

Meanwhile, Julian stood off to the side, still in his dazed and erratic state. Tessa didn’t look at him, but she could still sense how different he was from before. Back then, he had been full of confidence and arrogance. Now, though he wasn’t exactly filthy or unkempt, there was a disheveled quality about him that hadn’t been there before. He no longer looked like someone from a wealthy family. In just a month, more than half of which had been spent in a police station, constantly on edge, he had fallen far.

In an environment like this, how could he possibly be doing well? There was no doubt he’d been bullied, targeted, maybe even tortured. Tessa could feel it–the sharp edges in him had been worn down completely. But of course, she couldn’t say any of that out loud. After all, Julian still carried the title of her fiancé. Once her mother arrived, she’d make sure that engagement was canceled. It was simply too humiliating. And besides, the man had no value left to offer. What Tessa had always pursued was power and influence–her goals had never wavered.

Chapter 933

And as she climbed, if certain people became useless, why should she hold on to them? Naturally, she would stay on the path she had always chosen. Hidden beneath his messy hair, Julian’s eyes flickered. He saw it all.

Tessa was the type to kick someone when they were down, to burn the bridge after crossing it–worse now than ever before. She was heartless. No matter how good someone was to her, it never registered. To her, everything was transactional. Julian narrowed his eyes, the sting of betrayal pulsing in his chest. How had he failed to see her venomous nature before? Once he got through today, he would make her pay. He wouldn’t tolerate betrayal–from Lily, who had once been his plaything, or from Tessa, who had been bound to him by engagement. In his mind, both women already belonged to him. And he wasn’t about to let them go.

The two of them were settled into the station for the night. It was already late when they arrived, and there was no time to delay. The local officers processed their entry without much hassle–no need for anything complicated.