Chapter 158

Matteo was taken aback by Julian’s words, recalling how years ago, after Roseanne’s father, Theo, lost the family fortune to the second branch, Roseanne had asked Julian for help. When he refused, she proposed a breakup, which he accepted without hesitation. It seemed Julian had never been particularly fond of or attached to Roseanne. The notion of her being a stand-in was merely speculation among their group, never confirmed by Julian himself.

But Matteo hadn't anticipated Julian's unsparing treatment of Roseanne, his casual utterance of such hurtful words. Not just Matteo, but Roseanne herself was shocked by Julian's public humiliation. He had left her alone in the cold earlier, accused her of slandering Rosalie in front of Kaleb, and now made it clear he didn't welcome her at all.

“Does he hate me so much?” Roseanne wondered.

Tears welling in her eyes, Roseanne looked at Julian and asked in a hoarse voice, “Julian, are you still upset with me for breaking up with you back then?” She opened her mouth to explain further, “At that time, I was just acting on impulse. It wasn’t really what I meant. I just wanted to…” She wanted to say she'd done so to test his sincerity.

She never got the chance to finish, as Julian’s impatient, cold gaze cut her off. “Are you overthinking this a bit too much?” Julian’s eyes were indifferent, clearly showing no desire for connection with Roseanne.