Bryce hadn't expected a reaction this fierce. For a moment, he just stood there.
Olympia had taken a liking to Rosamond's jewelry before, and every time he had simply let her have it.
Rosamond had never once made a scene. Why was this time different?
Seeing the dark resolve on her face, he finally relented.
"Fine. Stay and see Olympia through the rest of her promotion banquet, and I'll give the bracelet back."
Rosamond looked into his unyielding eyes and accepted, because she had no other choice.
She knew Bryce. Once he set a condition, he never went back on it.
The fact that he was willing to return the bracelet at all was already a concession.
When Olympia realized Bryce truly intended to give the bracelet back, a flash of venom crossed her eyes as she looked at Rosamond.
So Bryce still had some feelings for Rosamond after all. She would have to find a way to make him despise her completely.
The party began. Rosamond sat and watched as Bryce attended to Olympia's every need at the table.
Picking out the best dishes for her. Peeling shrimp for her.
Refilling her tea. Pouring her water.
A bitter ache spread through Rosamond's chest.
He had never done any of those things for her. Not once.
She had always assumed it was simply his nature, that he was too proud to bother with small gestures like these.
Now she understood. She simply wasn't worth the effort.
It didn't matter anymore. She had made her peace with it.
All she had to do was endure until the banquet ended, take back her grandmother's bracelet, and walk away, leaving Bryce to Olympia for good.
She would never insert herself between them again.
After a few rounds of drinks, the air inside felt suffocating. Rosamond slipped out alone to clear her head.
She had barely reached the pool when a hand closed around her arm.
Olympia stood there with a half-smile that wasn't quite a smile.
"What's Attorney Henson doing out here instead of inside? Couldn't stand watching me and Bryce together? Thinking of running?"
"I suppose it makes sense. You only got him because I went abroad. Now that you see how devoted he is to me, it must be unbearable."
"You really are shameless, you know that? He obviously doesn't love you, yet you cling to him like a barnacle. If I were you, I'd have been gone a long time ago."
Rosamond glanced at her, expression blank.
"I am leaving. Just not yet."
"I'm still waiting for you to return my bracelet."