Chapter 285

Work strode out of the restroom, leaving Natalie seething in her wake.

Walshe thought, “How dare she dismiss me like that? Back then, Ruth used to bristle at the sight of me, but now she acts like I’m beneath her notice!”

Natalie would tell Jameson. How else would he know that during a simple dinner outing, she had run into Ruth, gotten slapped by her, and even twisted her ankle? Natalie limped out, already dialing his number with practiced theatrics.

Jameson frowned as Natalie’s tearful account poured through the phone. “Ruth hit you? Twisted your ankle?”

“Yes!” Natalie sniffled. “I barely said anything to her, and she attacked me.”

But something didn’t add up. Jameson thought, Janice swore the real Ruth was dead, and Madeline had impersonated her. Besides, Shermaine had Madeline detained.

Jameson had asked Janice for details, but she had claimed ignorance. Asking Shermaine was pointless. Anyway, she would never tell him.

All Jameson wanted was to drag Madeline to the courthouse to finalize the divorce. Her fate afterward meant nothing to him. Yet Natalie claimed Ruth was back. It was strange.

Jameson wondered, "Is Janice lying to block the divorce?" The possibility gnawed at him.

Natalie’s voice quivered. “Ruth said if you want the divorce, come to the Jean residence. She’s waiting.”

Jameson’s expression darkened. “She actually said that?”

“Yeah.”

“Alright, I got it.”

Shermaine accompanied Ruth to a nearby mall. After buying some daily necessities, she insisted on getting Ruth some new clothes and shoes.

Ruth barely glanced at items for herself, instead nudging Shermaine toward every beautiful dress she spotted.

Shermaine couldn’t refuse Ruth’s enthusiasm, shuttling between the racks and fitting room.

Ruth’s taste was impeccable. Every piece she chose suited Shermaine perfectly. She even picked out several outfits for Ross.

Money wasn’t an issue. During her years as “Juliana,” Richard had entrusted most of his wealth to her, though Ruth had relied on her own earnings from selling paintings in Rodunst.

Shermaine never imagined Richard had been Ruth’s rescuer. Their paths had crossed in Rodunst once, and Shermaine had even saved his life. In a way, she had indirectly repaid Ruth’s debt to him.

When Richard appeared unexpectedly, Ruth’s expression soured. “Why are you here?”

Richard’s chest tightened at her tone. “Juliana, I just wanted to see you. I bought some food for you and Shermaine.”

“Keep it,” Ruth said flatly. “Now that I’m back, we should keep our distance.” At least until her divorce from Jameson was finalized.

Richard turned helplessly to Shermaine. "Long time no see, Shermaine."

Chapter 286