Clara is still very youthful and vibrant, and they're in no hurry to start a family. They're still enjoying their marriage. Besides, his demanding career left little time for parenthood. Just then Erica turned her attention to Julia, "You're still single, dear. Let me introduce you to a suitable partner."
Mrs. Robin interjected with a warm smile, "Erica, Julia has already found someone special."
Erica was curious, "Really? I didn't hear about this! Julia, I hope you're very careful with your choice; try not to repeat your mother's mistakes." Julia's annoyance simmered, but she replied calmly, "Don't worry, Auntie; he's a trustworthy person."
Clara, intrigued, set aside her phone and asked, "What does your partner do, Julia? Perhaps he owns a house?" Julia replied truthfully. Oh, no Clara. "We're renting actually, and he's just an ordinary employee. Don't bother your husband's accomplishments surpass his." She recognized Clara's implicit query: was her husband superior to Julia's partner?
Clara's interest waned upon learning they didn't own a house and her partner was merely an employee. Erica feigned delight, relieved Julia's husband wasn't more successful than her daughter's husband. "She said, as long as he loves you, that's all that matters. Not everyone is as fortunate as Clara." Julia remained silent, aware that in today's society, relatives and friends might wish you well but never hope you surpass them.
After lunch, Erica asked Mrs. Robin to accompany her shopping, and she kindly agreed. As they were preparing to head to the mall, Julia seized the opportunity to leave, using Samantha's call as her excuse.
As Julia headed to the basement parking lot, Clara emerged with her luxurious LV bag, calling out to halt Clara's departure. With a condescending smile, she gazed at Julia's car and sneered, "You've acquired a new vehicle. Did you purchase it from the used car market?" The stark contrast between Julia's Mercedes-Benz and Clara's sleek BMW was evident, but Julia was in no way intimidated .
Clara's probing question was met with a sharp retort, "Clara, perhaps you should focus on your own life rather than mine. Eight years without a child, hm. you should worry about your husband seeking companionship elsewhere." Clara's composure changed, her heart racing with anxiety, but she maintained a calm facade, "my husband can't do a thing like that, so don't worry your head.
Julia's laughter was noncommittal as she slipped into her car and drove off, leaving Clara to ponder the veiled warning. The unspoken threat lingered, and Clara knew her husband's family eagerly awaited a grandchild. If he were to find another woman, her comfortable life would crumble. With this unsettling thought, Clara hastened back to her husband's residence, her mind racing with concern.
Julia arrived at the exclusive Darius Club, following the address Samantha provided. This prestigious membership-only club catered to the affluent, with some individuals striving to gain entry in hopes of networking and securing lucrative connections. Julia wondered why Samantha had summoned her to this upscale venue. As she waited at the entrance, Samantha emerged, dressed in a sleek tracksuit, and greeted her with a smile.
"Samantha , what are you doing here?" Julia asked, curiously.
I'm here for the game of tennis," Samantha replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "A friend brought me here, but I found it so boring, so I asked you to join me. Interestingly, I heard the Darius Group's president is expected to be here today, and my friend is eagerly waiting to meet him."
Julia was curious. "What's she meeting him for?"
Samantha's response was laced with intrigue. "Of course. Creating opportunities. What else?! And then again, the President is still single and eligible. A lot of wealthy ladies are vying for his attention. Do you think they're all here simply to play tennis?"
As Julia followed Samantha through the club, she noticed a plethora of elegantly dressed women, their designer attire and jewelry gleaming in the light. She smiled wryly, "Marriage can be a matter of fate, indeed."
Samantha nodded in agreement. "But for these affluent ladies, marriage is a strategic alliance, often driven by family interests. Rumors are being circulated about the president's youthful energy, dashing good looks, and substantial wealth, making him a coveted catch among these women."
Samantha's eyes sparkled as she recalled, "Ah, your husband is affiliated with the Darius Group, right?! He must have crossed paths with the president one way or the other. I wonder if he's as captivating as the rumors suggest." She chuckled, "I'll have to inquire about it later."
Samantha then turned to Julia with a hint of playful reproach, "Julia, you seem rather detached from your husband. By the way, wasn't he upset about the class reunion?"
Julia shook her head, "No, I've come to realize that he does allow little stuff bother him or stir his emotions." As they spent more time together, Julia had begun to understand him better.
Samantha stared at Julia apologetically and said, "Williams used to be quite assertive, but that's changed. I had initially hoped to introduce you two, rekindle things, but with this new William, I wouldn't want that for you and then again, you're married now.
Julia said, "Samantha, why don't you go find your friend? I'll just find a quiet spot to sit and observe."
Samantha agreed, "Okay, I'll go say hello. If you're bored, we could leave together. No need to stay if you're uncomfortable."
Julia found a secluded corner and sat down, impressed by the impeccable service. A waiter promptly offered her a selection of drinks, and she opted for a glass of water, unsure if the other options came with a hefty price tag.
As she sat by the window, Julia gazed out at the lush golf course, where a group of affluent men were enjoying a game. The vibrant green lawn and serene atmosphere created a sense of tranquility, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of her daily life. She watched as they skillfully navigated the course, their luxury watches glinting in the sunlight. Julia felt a sense of disconnection from this world of wealth and privilege, yet she remained fascinated by its allure.
Julia's gaze drifted away from the affluent scene before her, her thoughts returning to her humble life. She pulled out her phone and sent a message to Max, "Have you eaten yet?" She worried that his demanding work as a programmer might have caused him to forget about lunch. Unknown to her, Max was merely a few hundred meters away, on the second floor of the club.
Max had been summoned by his friends to play a game, but he was perplexed by the sudden influx of wealthy women downstairs. As he received Julia's message, his expression transformed from indifference to warmth. His friend Terry, the heir of the influential Miller family in Washington DC, noticed the change and teased, "Who sent the message? You look quite delighted."
Max replied with a simple "Yes" before tucking his phone away. "This is the last round, I have an appointment this afternoon," he said, aware that Julia would be having sales at the fair by five pm. Terry, however, was persistent, "Come on, don't be a spoilsport. You can reschedule." Max firmly replied, "I can't put it off." Terry had already booked a seat for the evening's gathering, but Max was resolute.
Terry became curious, noticing Max's reaction to the message. "Is the person who messaged you?
The reason you want to leave?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with intrigue. Max nodded, a subtle smile playing on his lips.
Terry asked with excitement, "Who is she? Do I know her?" Max replied in a low tone, "You don't know her, but I'll introduce you two later." Terry gazed at him for a long time, then sighed, "Tsk tsk, bro, you're prioritizing love over our friendship." Max finished his game of pool and departed, prompting a flurry of activity downstairs. Girls swarmed the exits, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. Max had no choice but to let his people clear a path for a quick escape.