The Billionaire Ex-Wife and the Beggar He Became novel Chapter 61

Felicity spent a few more minutes soothing Tiana over the phone before finally hanging up and slipping back into the private lounge.

Everyone in the room was a familiar face from their social circle. There was Julian's two best friends, Claud and Mayo. Claud had brought along his date, Adah—a stunning actress who'd become one of the hottest rising stars in the past couple of years. Then there were Mackenzie and Hattie, as well as Xander, a promising young doctor who'd just come back from abroad.

They'd all gathered to celebrate Felicity being named the city's Outstanding Young Leader. Her new senior living initiative had caused quite a stir across Greenwood City—not because it promised investors huge profits, but because it would benefit countless elderly people nationwide. And with Julian's investments spanning the globe, the project was drawing even more attention.

As Felicity returned, a soft smile playing on her lips, Adah—the glamorous celebrity—stood up with a flourish, wine glass in hand. "Miss Shepherd, it's such an honor to meet you," she said confidently, her words floating across the room. "Cheers! Let's get to know each other."

There was a certain competitive spark in Adah's eyes—the kind that only exists between beautiful women. As a famous actress, she was used to being the center of attention and couldn't resist testing herself against Felicity in their circle.

But Felicity declined with polite calm. "I'm sorry, I can't drink. I had a bout of gastritis not long ago, so I have to avoid alcohol for now."

She took her seat beside Julian and fell silent, her poise unshaken. The way she carried herself—reserved, but never servile—left Adah standing awkwardly, glass in hand.

Still, Adah was a professional. She'd weathered bigger scenes than this. With a quick, practiced smile, she found a new angle: "No worries! How about a soft drink instead?"

"Thank you, but I don't drink anything like that either," Felicity replied, not unkindly, but leaving no room for negotiation.

"Lots of time outdoors, throwing myself into work when it's time to work, getting real rest when it's time to rest, and when it's time to play, I really play. I don't let myself overthink or get caught up in pointless worry. I love outdoor sports—skiing, hiking, rock climbing, sailing, you name it. Being active keeps my skin fresh and healthy."

She spoke with an easy confidence, her smile lively and radiant. There was something effortlessly striking about her—so much so that even Adah, the celebrated star, suddenly felt a little self-conscious, as if nothing she offered quite measured up.

Adah forced a laugh. "I would never have guessed someone from such a wealthy family would be so into outdoor adventure. That's pretty rare."

Felicity grinned. "It's not because I grew up privileged. When I was a kid, we barely got by. I used to hike into the hills to collect wild herbs when I was sick because we couldn't afford medicine. That's how I got so good at climbing, believe it or not!"