Lauren looked surprised when she saw me come in and asked, "Why are you back so soon?""There was nothing worth discussing with her," I replied disdainfully.I quickly greeted Bella. "Long time no see, Bella. What are we having for lunch?"I walked over to her and watched her busy herself gracefully. Every move she made exuded a captivating beauty.Bella smiled elegantly, glancing at me. "It’s been a while. Have you been busy lately? I hear construction has already started in Bourdamun.""I’m busy as always. While they're working over there, Avalon Hills will be up next," I reported.My impression of Bella was improving, and I had become increasingly captivated by her."Matthew's trial is coming up soon, isn’t it?" She put down what she was holding and wiped her hands. "Are you feeling confident?"“Since Ardora’s legal representative is Melanie, all I can do is ensure Matthew’s freedom and prevent him from going to jail. But Melanie will have to pay for her mistakes," I explain
Bella stopped talking and smiled faintly without delving any further.I didn't press her. After all, Bella was someone with impeccable discretion. I understood her, even if she chose not to say certain things out loud. It seemed that Trinity's ruthless move this time had a purpose.After chatting for a while, we said goodbye and left to head back to the office.As we reached the entrance, we bumped into Oliver, who was on his way in.He immediately froze, his gaze fixated on Lauren's face.I quickly greeted him, but he only responded with a nonchalant hum. His attention was fully on Lauren."Lauren..." he murmured, his eyes filled with longing.I glanced at Lauren discreetly. Unfazed, she nodded slightly at Oliver. "Sorry, Mr. Oliver. We're in a bit of a hurry."With that, she calmly led the way outside, showing no hint of hesitation.I admired Lauren for that. She remained indifferent as if they had never met. As an outsider, I couldn't help but feel a little awkward.O
Michelle's remark immediately attracted curious glances, and everyone turned toward me.I could read all kinds of meanings into those glances. I was certain that was what Michelle intended.Ivanna was visibly displeased. She opened her mouth, wanting to retaliate against Michelle, but I quickly pulled her back, signaling her not to speak. I smiled calmly and nodded at everyone."Yes, Matthew is my ex-husband. We all know about my past marriage. Looks like Michelle provided quite a detailed introduction! We haven't met in years, so it'll be good for everyone to catch up with each other."As I made my little speech, people understood my implications, and all eyes now turned to Michelle. Of course, the meaning in their eyes varied.Michelle blushed, attempting to defend herself, "Hey! Why are you all looking at me? I just have a loose tongue, haha... We’ve all finally gotten together after so long. Was it so wrong of me to share some updates? Besides, it’s the truth, and I didn't say
No one answered my question, and nobody seemed to know. This left me somewhat disappointed.Yvette from our dormitory was the one who broke the silence, saying, "Since we left, she went back to her hometown. If you don't have her contact information, the rest of us won't have it either. We also lost contact with Judy from our dormitory. They probably aren't in Foswood."A guy named Theo added, "I heard Beatrice has her own business, so she might have gone back to manage her own company."Just then, the dishes started arriving. The waitstaff entered, beginning to serve dish after dish. The aroma of the food wafted through the private room.To my surprise, Ivanna suddenly rushed out with her mouth covered.I was puzzled and quickly followed her. In the restroom, she started vomiting again. There was something odd about this. It didn't seem like a stomach issue."Ivanna, let me take you to the hospital for a checkup tomorrow," I said while patting her back. "Are you sure it's just a
Everyone was looking at me, waiting for my response. A few genuinely concerned ones said, "Michelle, we finally met Chlo. How can you let her foot the bill? Let's stick to the old rule and go Dutch."I was about to speak, but Michelle interrupted, "Forget it! Going Dutch? Chlo is no ordinary person now. She's the renowned Chloe Hartz in the Foswood construction industry. You're going to make her laugh. Go Dutch? What's on this table is nothing to her."Ivanna looked at the smug Michelle and said, "This one needs a reality check."I gestured for her to stay quiet. Michelle continued, "I understand Chlo very well. Even when she buys things for her child, it's all from luxury brands. Do you think she cares about the dishes for a bunch of old classmates? It would just be a joke."She was trying to manipulate me, using moral pressure."Don't be petty! She’d be laughing at us if we went Dutch," she added, looking at me and asking, "Right, Chlo?"Before I could answer, the door to the p
I could tell who they were immediately from their voices.One was from our dormitory, always trailing behind Michelle—Nana Howell. The other was Michelle herself.Ivanna grabbed my arm and gestured for me to be quiet. Nana asked Michelle, "So, what does Chloe do? How did she become so wealthy in just a few years?""Nonsense! Just because she can afford these doesn't mean the money is hers." Michelle's tone was dismissive. "As for what she does? I'd say she's a homewrecker."Michelle continued with a scornful tone. "I did some discreet inquiries. Rumor has it that she attached herself to some wealthy guy right after her divorce—a real tycoon.""Really? That fast?" Nana's voice carried a gossipy excitement."Hmph! So what? It stirred up quite a fuss, and public opinion is not favorable. After all, she has a child and still trapped a young guy. She's just relying on her looks. "She's like a cougar. There's nothing she can't do. Don't be fooled by her pretentious act. She's quite
Her words created an awkward atmosphere. I just smiled faintly, watching Michelle's bewildered and nervous expression.The total bill frightened her. If they were to split it equally, it would undoubtedly hurt her wallet, forcing her to speak up."Miss, here's the bill. You can check it." The waiter understood Michelle's hint and handed the bill to her.As if afraid to touch it, Michelle muttered, "Don't give it to me. Let Ms. Chloe check it."The waiter immediately turned and handed the bill to me. I calmly said, "It's fine. Has it been paid?""Yes, Ms. Chloe." the waiter said respectfully.Michelle quickly caught on, visibly relieved. She looked at the waiter and asked, "It's settled? W-Who paid?""Mr. Atlas settled the bill," the waiter calmly repeated.Ivanna looked at Michelle. "You're embarrassing. Do you think Chloe is like you? Would her face turn purple just because of a bill? You got one thing right. With Chloe here, you all don't have to go Dutch."The waiter bowed
Ivanna's revelations about Michelle's recent "job" truly surprised me."Really?" I asked in astonishment. "Back in our school days, she was always obsessed with vanity, constantly getting guys to buy her food. That part still rings true.""And now," Ivanna continued, "she's hooked up with a rural entrepreneur that owns a fish farm."Hearing Ivanna's words made me laugh hard. "So, was the fish pond you mentioned earlier true?"Ivanna looked disdainful and rolled her eyes. "Of course! Would I lie? Whenever they're together, she organizes these class reunions. But people have complaints. And Michelle isn't the only one. I've heard there are several others."I shook my head with a wry smile, somewhat nostalgic, and said, "She's a real warrior."Ivanna exclaimed in frustration. "Exactly! Fearless even of diseases. It seems she targeted you today by arranging this gathering. She probably noticed you're doing well. So, she wanted to freeload off your generosity. Ugh... what a piece of w