Chapter 18 She couldn't afford to get into a confrontation with such an arrogant girl in this setting . Not only would it be a waste of her time , but she'd only end up falling into the girl's trap . The girl was momentarily stunned , then turned back to the sofa and sat down , still processing the situation . " This girl didn't even argue with me and actually complimented me ? " Ron chuckled . " Casey , you called her a gold digger . Of course , she can't argue with you here . If she did , how would she keep digging ? " Casey Gallagher , clearly bored , sighed . " I didn't get her to snap . So boring ! " Tracie hadn't gone far . She heard their conversation clearly . A bitter pang of sadness tugged at her . In a setting like this , Grover had brought Juliana as his date instead of her , his actual wife . Not only that , but she was being treated like a joke by someone like Casey , who had no sense of boundaries . Chapter 18 Tears welled up in her eyes , but she quickly forced them back . She had no one to lean on . Grover wouldn't help her . She had to get stronger on her own to protect herself , Mandy , Rico , and her grandmother . She found an empty sofa , sat down alone , and sipped her drink while scanning the crowd for the investors Wilmer had mentioned . " Excuse me , may I sit here ? " A well - dressed man in a suit approached and sat down across from her . " Of course . " " Are you here to meet with investors ? " he asked , his tone casual but probing . Tracie perked up . She looked at him with genuine interest . " And you are ? " " I'm an investor , " he replied with a polite smile . " If you're interested , we could exchange contact information for potential future opportunities ." " Chapter 18 His polite demeanor made her lower her guard , though she wasn't in the habit of sharing her contact info so easily . She pulled out her phone to call Wilmer and check if he knew anything about this investor . But just as she was about to dial , Casey appeared , stepping between her and the man . She looked from Tracie to the stranger , then burst into laughter . " This is too good ! You two are a perfect match , no wonder you're exchanging contact information … I'm dying over here ! You two keep chatting , I'll just enjoy this ." Tracie was speechless . She didn't recognize the man , but from Casey's expression and her mocking tone , it was clear that this man wasn't really an investor . He was likely just one of those opportunistic men who prey on women at these kinds of events . Otherwise , Casey wouldn't have been so smug , acting as though Tracie were too naive to see through the situation . Tracie stood up , flashing Casey a calm smile . " Thanks ." " What ? " Casey blinked , caught off guard . Chapter 18 But Tracie was already walking away . Even though this was a high - end event , the world of the elite was deeper than it appeared , and it was better for her to leave . By the time Casey realized what had happened , Tracie was already out the door . The event continued until around 11 PM . Grover , Juliana , and their group of friends walked out of the club and headed toward the parking lot . As they said their goodbyes , Grover noticed Tracie standing next to his car . " I've been waiting for you . Let's talk ," Tracie said calmly . The group of people turned their attention to Grover and Juliana sitting on the sofa . Juliana met Tracie's gaze calmly , her expression composed , offering a faint smile . Grover , as usual , gave her the cold shoulder , his attention entirely elsewhere . As long as the divorce agreement wasn't finalized , he had no intention of discussing anything with Tracie . Chapter 18 But Tracie had followed him to the cocktail party , lingering around him . She had never changed her stubborn ways . If he had known it would come to this , he would have never gone along with her " leaving the house " drama or the " not saving Oliver " charade . Chapter 19