Chapter 2

I studied the guy from head to toe but could not recognize him at all.

"What's with that look? Don't tell me you don't remember me?"

"Sorry, I've met too many people over the years. It's hard to keep track."

The truth was, I had zero idea who he was.

He raised an eyebrow, let out a mocking laugh, and said, "Oh, cut the act, Nicole. You chased after me for three whole years in high school."

The moment he said that, a familiar image surfaced in my mind. Nonetheless, the man standing in front of me now was nothing like the one I remembered from back then.

"You wouldn't happen to be Conway Hastings, would you?"

Hearing me say his name, he immediately looked smug. "After all these years, you still can't forget about me, huh?"

Halfway through his sentence, Conway suddenly changed his tone. "But let me remind you—don't get any ideas. I'm already engaged, thanks to the beautiful Merla. She introduced me to a Reno family heiress."

So the former high school football star had turned into someone absolutely repulsive. Everyone knew he and Merla had been fooling around for years. Joining the Reno family was just a convenient excuse to continue their affairs.

"That gold Bugatti at the entrance? It's hers. You could never afford one in your lifetime."

Noting my prolonged silence, Conway patted my shoulder with his strong arm. "But there's one way you could get behind the wheel of a Bugatti: be Merla's chauffeur. The salary alone would be way better than whatever you're making as a low-level employee."

As soon as he said that, the room erupted in laughter.

I did not understand why these people needed to humiliate others just to feel superior. I swore I would never attend another reunion like this again.

Ignoring their taunts, I picked up my coat and slipped it on. "Are you done? If so, move aside. I have things to do."

However, the men at the door did not step aside.

Merla leaned back slightly, her tone amused. "The entire restaurant, along with this entire block, belongs to the Reno family. Do you think you can just walk out whenever you want?

"You're not leaving this place unless I say so."

The air grew tense.

Sensing something was off, Dolly quickly stepped in to ease the situation. "Come on, we've all been classmates for over ten years. No need to ruin the mood over something so trivial."

She turned to me, speaking in a softer, persuasive tone. "Nicole, it's rare for everyone to get together. Why ruin the fun? Just sit down, have a drink, and chat for a bit."

I knew she was trying to help, but I had a meeting to attend. People were waiting for me.

"Sorry, Dolly." I gave her a small smile, my tone calm. "I really am the one killing the mood, but I have more important matters to handle.

"The family meeting has already started. The top leaders are waiting for me."

The moment I finished speaking, Merla's expression turned ice-cold. With a loud crash, she smashed her glass onto the floor, shards scattering everywhere.

"A family meeting?" She scoffed. "Nicole, you're just a lowly employee. What kind of 'family meeting' could you possibly attend?"

Her eyes were full of disdain, her lips curled in mockery. "You must be delusional. What leader would ever wait for you?"

I was about to respond when Dolly quickly grabbed my arm, whispering urgently, "Nicole, don't mess with Merla. You know how powerful the Reno family is."

She hesitated, then lowered her voice even more. "If you cross her, you won't just be forced out of this city… You won't even have a way to survive."

I knew exactly how powerful the Reno family was.

Too bad… they were not powerful enough to touch me.

I gently patted Dolly's hand to reassure her, then lifted my gaze, locking eyes with Merla.

"Merla, if your hostility toward me is because I once had a crush on Conway… Then let me make one thing very clear, he was never good enough for me."

I did not intend to provoke her, but from the start, this so-called reunion had felt like a low-grade trial.

I came with the hope of clearing up misunderstandings, but some people simply refused to face reality.

Merla's expression darkened completely. Her eyes burned red with fury, and the killing intent in them was unmistakable.

"Heh. Nicole, you wretch! Are you saying I stole your man? My fiance is the heir to the Reno family! Do you even realize what you're saying? Do you want to die?!"

The laughter around us grew louder, as if everyone was waiting for me to be humiliated.

I could have hit her with a sharp, mocking remark, one that would crush her completely, but I had no interest in entertaining her any longer.

"I don't have time for this nonsense. Tell your people to get out of my way."