Cordelia turned around , then studied her face . She was Velma Barlow , Belinda's old sidekick . " I didn't expect to see you here , " Velma said . " But hey , the necklace you're wearing is the same as Belinda's . " She gasped like she'd uncovered some huge secret . " Don't tell me you copied her ? " Cordelia had already noticed the resemblance . But Belinda's aquamarine was resin - treated , and the stones weren't diamonds . It didn't make sense . Why would Declan give her a fake ? Cordelia started to walk past , ready to find Eric , until Belinda chimed in . " Velma , relax . I posted a photo yesterday . " Cordelia probably saw it and got one too . No big deal . " It sounded like a defense , but the subtext was clear - Cordelia was the copycat . Belinda was such a bitch . Cordelia didn't tolerate cheap shots . She turned , walked straight up , and lifted Belinda's necklace . " Belinda , this aquamarine's resin - treated and acid - washed . And those stones are cubic zirconia . " Aquamarine's not rare , but acid treatments aren't great for health . You might wanna stop wearing it . " Also ... the chain's staining your neck . " She paused and tilted her head . " See ? Like this . " The other women leaned in , eyes fixed on Belinda's neck . " Oh my god , she's right , " one of them said . " Belinda , your boyfriend gave you fake jewelry ? " another blurted . Belinda flushed , then turned pale . Without a word , she bolted for the bathroom . Velma shot Cordelia a dirty look and hurried after her . " Belinda , wait ! " 0.0 % 09:35 Chapter 16 288 ¡ Vouchers Cordelia was ready to move on , but another woman with a heavily altered face strutted over . She gave Cordelia a once - over and said loudly , " Wow , Cordelia . How many procedures did it take to keep your face looking this young ? " Facelift , high - intensity focused ultrasound , or the whole package ? " Back in school , Declan had been the golden boy , every girl's crush . When Cordelia ended up with him , plenty of them never got over it . Their marriage , though , had been messy - constant fights and breaking things . It became a running joke in their old circle . Most assumed their marriage existed in name only . Many didn't think Cordelia would dare show up today . But she did , and she looked stunning . And that rubbed some people the wrong way . Cordelia studied the woman's face , then blinked in surprise . " Oh my god . Natalie Garrison ? " What happened to your face ? Your left cheek is too puffed , your jaw's got a bump , and yeah , no wrinkles . " But it's so tight that you look like an alien . " Cordelia gave a knowing smirk . " Too much growth factor , huh ? You might wanna get that reversed before it spreads . " Natalie whipped out a mirror , took one look , and noticed the flaws Cordelia had named . Another woman chimed in , " Natalie , you really have gone overboard . Your face looks ... off now . " Natalie put the mirror back and shot Cordelia a sharp look . " You don't know anything . " This is what's trending . You country bumpkins wouldn't get it . " Cordelia raised an eyebrow . One more was out of the way . Her gaze shifted to the last one , Jillian Davidson , whose face looked sallow . " Cordelia , it's been ages , " Jillian said . Then she leaned forward , peering behind Cordelia . " Where is your husband ? Didn't he come with you ? " Declan's still a catch . Don't let anyone else take him . " 29.9 % 09:35 Chapter 16 Cordelia's smile stayed bright and unbothered . " Jillian , it's been twenty years , and you've lost your charm . " Your face is all flat and saggy . " No wonder your husband's got a mistress and three kids on the side . " Jillian spun around , furious , nearly tripping as she stormed off . Cordelia grinned , savoring the win . Declan had been watching from nearby , but she didn't know . She was alive , unapologetic , always smiling , and he couldn't look away . Cordelia wandered the grounds alone , admiring the flowers and chatting with old teachers . About 15 minutes passed . After a quick stop at the restroom , she stepped out and spotted Belinda with those women again . Their faces were tight with irritation , voices low and bitter . " Who does she think she is , acting all high and mighty ? " " Her sharp tongue will get her into trouble one day . " " Look at her . No decent woman would dress like that . " " No wonder Declan doesn't like her . " " Who would ? " Only then did Cordelia realize they'd been talking behind her back this whole time . She was about to march over when a voice cut through the air behind her . " Who says I don't like her ? " It caught Cordelia and those women off guard , They all turned . " D - Declan ? " someone cried in shock , Velma's eyes went wide . " You're here ? " Belinda's eyes were red from crying . Her necklace was gone , but the dark stain on her neck was still there . " Declan , that wasn't Cordelia's fault . Please don't misunderstand . " Her trembling voice and teary eyes were clearly meant to cast Cordelia as the villain . 65.8 % 1288 ¡ Vouchers 09:35 Chapter 16 Cordelia saw right through it . She expected Declan to take Belinda's side again . Instead , he handed Cordelia a glass of lemonade and two small tablets . 96.9 %