Jade Goodman’s expression turned even fouler. Through gritted teeth, she asked, "Are you saying Mia went live without me knowing and broadcast my entire phone call with Jason Thorne?"
"Of course not." Her mutual friend shook her head. "It was Mia’s dog, Watermelon, who heard you tell Jason Thorne to stab Mia to death."
Jade Goodman was speechless.
Her brows furrowed. She was at a complete loss for words. "What kind of joke is this? How could a dog possibly understand what I was saying?"
The mutual friend couldn’t be bothered to explain further. "Regardless, Jade Goodman, I’ve lost all respect for you."
She glanced at the prices on the menu and transferred half the cost to Jade Goodman. "You don’t have to pay for me. We’re splitting it."
After saying her piece, the mutual friend blocked Jade’s contact, grabbed her purse, and left.
’There was no point staying in touch with someone who would tell her ex to go stab her friend.’
Jade Goodman was furious, cursing under her breath the entire way home.
She opened her front door and stepped inside. Just as she was about to close it, a figure burst in.
"Jade Goodman!"
Seeing Jason Thorne, Jade Goodman frowned. "What are you doing here? Get the hell out!"
"You bitch!" Jason Thorne lunged, his hands clamping around her throat. "Mia never set you up with anyone! Why did you break up with me?"
"I..." Jade Goodman’s face turned crimson as she struggled to breathe. "You..."
Jason Thorne slapped her hard across the face. "Answer me!"
"First... let go." Jade Goodman’s face was contorted in pain. "Let... go."
Jason Thorne did let go, only to start kicking and stomping on her.
Jade Goodman was beaten to the floor, her miserable cries filling the room as she crawled away from him.
**
The next day, Renee Jennings and Michelle Fuller met Sylvia Brooks for a meal.
Renee had asked Sylvia to help Addie Sutton hire a lawyer.
Hearing about Addie Sutton’s situation, Sylvia Brooks immediately agreed. "I’ll take care of the arrangements. The poor girl has been through too much."
"Okay." A small smile touched Renee’s lips. "I’ll leave it in your hands, then."
Sylvia Brooks replied solemnly, "You can count on me."
"I know I can," Renee said with a cheerful nod.
"I’m going to the restroom," Michelle Fuller announced, getting to her feet. "Either of you need to go?"
Renee stood up and said, "I’ll go with you."
The two left the private dining room and walked to the end of the long hallway.
Renee came out of the restroom and stood outside waiting for Michelle.
Hearing footsteps, she thought Michelle had come out. She turned to look, and the smile on her lips froze instantly.
Zoe Morgan hadn’t expected to run into Renee Jennings here either, and a flicker of astonishment crossed her face.
Renee calmly met her gaze.
Zoe Morgan pursed her lips. After a moment’s hesitation, she stepped forward to greet her. "Renee Jennings. Hello."
Renee raised an eyebrow and asked with a half-smile, "Is there something you need, Ms. Morgan?"
Zoe Morgan’s lips tightened, a flicker of displeasure in her eyes.
’She has no manners at all!’
"Nothing," Zoe Morgan bit out, brushing past Renee’s shoulder as she walked away.
Michelle came out of the restroom and happened to see her back. She hooked an arm around Renee’s shoulder and asked, "Renee, who was that?"
Renee let out a soft laugh. "Zoe Morgan."
"What did she say to you?"
"Just ’hello’."
Michelle found this novel. "Are you serious? That’s hilarious."
Renee’s lips curved slightly. "I thought it was pretty funny too, so I asked her if she needed something."
"And then?"
"I think that pissed her off, and she stormed away."
"Hahahaha!" Michelle burst out laughing. "That’s too funny."
Walking back to her private room, Zoe Morgan grew more and more vexed.
She regretted taking the initiative to greet Renee.
’The woman didn’t appreciate it in the slightest. She even asked me if I needed something!’
’What is wrong with her? Absolutely no manners.’