Whitney’s mind was still racing after Parker’s cryptic comment. What was he playing at? He had just dropped a bombshell by casually mentioning that Tiana’s fiancé, Gunner, was at the hotel the other night with some celebrity. And the implications of the word “playing” hit her like a ton of bricks. Was Tiana’s fiancé cheating on her?
Parker, with his easy indifference, wasn’t concerned about the lesser-known Tiana’s family, but the Lutz family was one of the wealthiest and most powerful. Gunner had a notorious reputation as a playboy, which only added weight to Parker’s remark.
The following day, Tiana messaged Whitney on Facebook, asking her to ignore the news, but Whitney had a feeling that things were about to blow up. Monica was likely behind it all, spreading rumors to drag Whitney’s name through the mud. After all, this scandal was Monica’s chance at fame, a golden ticket to the limelight.
Tiana, trying to keep her spirits up, sent Whitney pictures of engagement rings, jokingly asking her to design a ring so big that Gunner would be forced to really pay for it. Even though Tiana was acting lighthearted, Whitney could sense her underlying concern about her engagement. Deep down, Tiana still held on to the hope that her relationship with Gunner could work, despite the troubling signs.
But Whitney couldn’t let her guard down. She had other matters to attend to, like checking in on her mother, Natalie, who was in high spirits. Natalie casually mentioned that “your husband came home last night to sleep.” Whitney was taken aback—L had actually come home last night? She had expected him to be out chasing some other lover. A soft smile appeared on her lips as she replied, “I’ll come home after I finish up today, Mom.” There was still a lot to do, and the plagiarism case she was working on required her focus.
Stella, who had given Whitney’s manuscript to Monica, was key to cracking this case. Whitney had already learned that Stella would be at the Golden Hue Bar that night before leaving for a film shoot, and that was where she was headed.
Just as Whitney was preparing to head out, Monica called, taunting her about the upcoming jewelry contest results. “The media are all over me, Whitney. Phebe praised me today. Once I win, it’s the engagement of the year, and Simon’s throwing a celebration for me tonight at the Golden Hue Bar. You have to come!”
Whitney, unfazed by the provocation, simply replied, “Not interested,” but knew she had to go to the Golden Hue Bar if she wanted to find Stella.
When she arrived at the bar, it was packed with people celebrating Monica’s “success,” and the Perlman family was there, lending their support. Whitney saw Troy Perlman, the legitimate heir of the Perlman family, and Faith Perlman, determined to support her brother’s aspirations for Monica. Troy’s playboy reputation was well-known, and it was clear that the Perlman family was helping Monica integrate into their circle.
Steering clear of them, Whitney made her way to find Stella. As she passed a private suite, she noticed Troy and Faith. But it wasn’t them that caught her attention. It was a muffled conversation coming from behind a curtain.
“Do you like it, you little temptress?” A voice that Whitney immediately recognized—Gunner, Tiana’s fiancé!
Fury surged through Whitney as she yanked the curtain aside, revealing Gunner and Stella in a compromising position. The shock on their faces was evident as they quickly scrambled to separate, both looking at Whitney with irritation.
Stella, ever the opportunist, flashed a cold smirk when she recognized Whitney. “Fancy seeing you here. Who are you looking for? Tiana’s fiancé, dear Gunner, or me?”
Whitney’s anger boiled over. She had always thought of Stella as Tiana’s best friend, but this betrayal was beyond comprehension. How could Stella, of all people, be involved with Gunner? The Lutz family, one of the most prestigious in the social scene, had always been the prize for socialites, and Gunner had always been the most notorious of them all.
With a sneer, Gunner, seeing the confusion and anger in Whitney’s eyes, warned, “You better think twice before spilling the beans to her. Tiana’s too innocent to handle the truth.”
And with that, he sauntered off, leaving Whitney with a searing look of betrayal.
Stella, unbothered by the tension in the room, was emboldened by the situation, clearly enjoying Whitney’s discomfort. “When did you start fooling around with Gunner?” Whitney demanded, her voice cold and shaking with anger. “How long has this affair been going on?”
Stella, with casual indifference, replied, “It’s only been a month, but Tiana has no clue. Gunner rolls out of my bed and takes her to brunch like it’s nothing.”
Whitney couldn’t hold back any longer. The slap she delivered to Stella’s cheek was loud and sharp. “You’ve become sick,” Whitney hissed. “Tiana may be the most loyal among us, but if she found out about this, she would make you regret it.”
Stella, unfazed, taunted back, “Go ahead and tell her. Let’s see how she reacts to her dear friend and fiancé tangled up together. I bet she can’t handle it.”
Whitney’s expression hardened. The image of Tiana, so blissfully choosing engagement rings without a care in the world, made Whitney’s heart ache. It was all so unfair. She was relieved Tiana hadn’t come tonight, spared from witnessing this despicable scene.
Staring at Stella, Whitney demanded, “How did you even get involved with Gunner? Tiana barely introduced you. What tricks did you play?”
Stella smirked, her eyes full of arrogance. “It’s called using the right opportunities. Tiana never saw it coming.”
The betrayal was even worse than Whitney had imagined, but the fight was far from over.
