Chapter 6

To avoid any misunderstanding from this sugar daddy, who still sent my cousin monthly living expenses,

I quickly explained, "No, no, she helped my boyfriend with a huge favor. But this also requires thanks to you, Ryan. My boyfriend's direct-to-consumer snack brand relied entirely on your resources this time."

"I thought she was getting ambitious and starting her own thing. Turns out it's your boyfriend. She's putting more effort into him than she ever did into me."

Before I could reply, he continued,

"Alright, I get it. I'll buy her the bag. You keep the money."

I returned the money to Julian, telling him Ryan said no.

He looked a little confused. "But he's her ex, why is he still so involved?"

"He's still her primary financial support, Julian. How else do you think she affords all those designer things?"

Julian's face looked a bit unnatural. Seeing me watching him, he just added, "Right."

That night, Zara came over to my place again. She'd had some drinks, and her face was flushed as she argued with me on the sofa.

Her mind was clear, her thoughts sharp, her logic impeccable, as she picked apart every single thing about me. Finally, she pointed at Julian and said,

"Just because of you? You think you can snag a sugar daddy like that? Dream on, Cassie, you'll never live a life like mine."

"You think telling Ryan I'm stealing your boyfriend will get my allowance cut? I'll find a new one tomorrow, you just wait!"

A glint sparked in Julian's eyes when he heard that.

I suddenly found it all pointless. I left them in the living room and went back to my room.

After that, Julian started working overtime and traveling even more frequently.

Even when I suggested I wasn't busy anymore and could have dinner with his parents, he politely declined, saying it wasn't the right time.

By then, I already understood. Zara had succeeded again.