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Chapter 9: Amber Deception

Author: Intana Meisya
last update Last Updated: 2026-01-19 17:40:55

Olivia's POV

I was on my third glass of champagne when Marguerite appeared beside me. She hoisted herself onto the barstool with surprising agility for someone her age, waving away the bartender's attempt to help.

"That woman is a leech," she announced.

I didn't have to ask who she meant. I could still see Gabriel and Jolie on the dance floor, her hand on his chest, his face carved from stone.

"She's known him longer than I have," I said. The champagne was making my words looser than I wanted. "She has history."

"History is just another word for baggage that should have been thrown out years ago," Marguerite said. She snapped her fingers at the bartender. "Cognac. The 1952. Do not pretend you do not have it."

The bartender's eyes widened. He disappeared into the back room.

Marguerite turned to me, her sharp eyes scanning my face. "You are upset."

"I'm fine."

"You are a terrible liar. For an actress, that is concerning."

I let out a breath that was half laugh, half something
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