Julia was caught off guard when she saw Rosita standing there.


    The memory of mistaking Rosita for Mrs. Wentworth made guilt twist in her stomach-she couldn''t believe how unfair she''d been to her own daughter. Even when her daughter was being hounded online, Julia had apologized to Rosita instead...


    Those moments yed back in her mind as she tightened her grip on the New Year''s gift bag. Julia had never been the confrontational type, but facing the woman who hade between her daughter and her son-inw, resentment simmered inside her.


    "I don''t know you well, Ms. Lockwood," Julia said coldly. "Let''s keep things formal -please call me Ms. Hudson."


    Rosita''s smile faltered for a split second, but she quicklyposed herself, feigning confusion and innocence. "Ms. Hudson, is something wrong? We had such a lovely chat thest time we met, didn''t we?"


    "That was before I knew who you really were..." Julia''s voice trailed off in shock as she nced toward the door where Gina stood.


    "Gina, would you please leave the gift here and wait for me outside? I have some things to discuss with Mr. Wentworth."


    Gina nodded, set the gift on the table, and quietly slipped out to the reception


    area.


    Turning back to Rosita, Julia''s tone was icy. "Ms. Lockwood, I''d appreciate it if you could give us a moment alone as well."


    Rosita''s brows drew together, her pretty features tinged with hurt. "Ms. Hudson, are you upset about something?"


    Anger red inside Julia. She''d watched her own marriage fall apart because of another woman, and now her daughter was going through the same heartbreak...


    The more Julia thought about it, the angrier she became. She decided there was no point in keeping up the pretense.


    "Ms. Lockwood, my daughter tried to spare everyone''s dignity by keeping this quiet, but don''t forget-Bryn and Attorney Wentworth aren''t even divorced yet! They''re still legally married! As the other woman, you should have at least a shred of shame."


    Rosita stood there, stunned, as the color drained from her face.


    "Ms. Hudson..." she stammered, her eyes brimming with tears. She shook her head helplessly. "It''s not what you think..."


    "I don''t want to get entangled any further," Julia cut her off, turning to Stewart. "Mr. Wentworth, I''ve always been grateful to you. Before Bryn told me the truth, I never doubted your character. I sincerely wished you and Ms. Lockwood happiness. But the truth is, you''ve let Bryn down..."


    Her voice wavered, and Julia paused to steady herself, taking a shaky breath.


    Stewart''s brows were furrowed, his dark eyes fixed on Julia. "What happened between Briony and me isn''t something that can be exined in a few words. I understand you''re worried about your daughter, but Rosita isn''t to me here, she "


    His phone buzzed insistently—a call from the team handling histest case. "Excuse me, I need to take this."


    He left, stepping out of the office with his phone.


    Julia frowned at his retreating figure, feeling foolish for evening today. She set the gift on the table and turned to go.


    "Ms. Hudson, you''re leaving already?"


    Julia stopped, ncing back at Rosita. For some reason, the more she looked at her, the more familiar her face seemed...


    "Ms. Hudson, you spent five years in prison. I understand there''s a lot you might not know," Rosita said softly, stepping closer, lowering her voice. "Please, don''t be angry. Let me tell you what really happened."


    Julia stared at her, her frown deepening.


    "Back then, Stewart entered into a marriage of convenience with Ms. Kensington -a business arrangement. While they were secretly married, Stewart defended you in court. Their agreement was to raise Irwin together as a legally married couple..."