Betrayed and Dumped: She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 73

Lottie shot her a sharp glare.

Aliyah just flicked her long, wavy hair and fired back, “What, did I say anything wrong?”

Not long after, their father Robert, who was busy chatting with people across the room, waved at Aliyah to come over. He clearly wanted to take advantage of the party to introduce her to some promising young men.

Lottie felt a fresh wave of bitterness. She was the real daughter, but Robert only ever paid attention to that fake one. Just a few days ago, Lottie had overheard the housekeepers saying the Bernan family was already setting up matches for her—rich heirs, even the only son of a powerful government official. Her future was shimmering with privilege.

But no one cared about Lottie at all.

She was getting angrier by the second, desperate to find someone she could vent to, but there were hardly any familiar faces at the hotel. Dr. Campbell and Bruce were busy making the rounds, and she couldn’t just walk up and interrupt.

Suddenly, she spotted someone she recognized.

“Mr. Larson, Mr. Fullman,” Lottie called out, gathering her dress as she made her way over to Paul and Morris. She couldn’t help but steal a shy glance at Paul.

Both men seemed surprised for a moment, but quickly recognized her. Sonja had brought Lottie to a few dinners with them, so they had gotten a little familiar.

Paul gave her a polite nod. “Hi.”

Morris, though, was much more approachable. He grinned. “Lottie, why are you being so formal? Just call me Morris, and him Paul. We’re friends now, right?” He pointed to himself, then to Paul. “Morris. Paul.”

Lottie’s cheeks flushed even redder. “Okay.”

She’d met them before, thanks to Rebecca, but they’d always been distant and barely said a word to her. Everything changed after Sonja started bringing her into their circle. Their attitude toward her had completely shifted.

Sonja really did have a lot of influence. Lottie made a mental note to keep up her connection with her. As for Rebecca… Lottie sneered to herself. Rebecca was out of a job and just got dumped. She was probably even more miserable than Lottie right now.

Satisfied with that thought, Lottie quietly snapped a photo and posted it to her social media, feeling a bit smug. “So happy to be at my boss’ mom’s birthday party. Feels like we’re basically besties now.”

After posting, she got up the nerve to chat with Paul again. He was polite but distant, barely saying more than a few words before Judy came over.

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