Lyra took a deep breath, steadying herself. "I admit it. What happened between us was my fault. I betrayed you. But do you even know why?"
Julian's jaw tightened. "Oh, I know," he said coldly. "You think I'm just some poor guy with no background, no power, no influence. I can't give you the life you want. Isn't that it?"
Lyra met his gaze without hesitation. "That's right."
Julian let out a bitter laugh. "So it all comes down to this: you're a gold digger. Just another money-grubbing woman."
Lyra didn't flinch. "And what woman isn't? What beautiful woman in this world doesn't want money?"
Her tone sharpened as she continued, "Is it so wrong to want a comfortable life? Even if it is, then I've only made the same mistake every other girl makes."
She glanced at her watch, her voice turn
