Chapter 2384
Chapter 2384
Miranda sipped her drink, her heavily made-up face a kaleidoscope of colors under the party lights. "Oh, I totally forgot to mention, my boyfriend manages The Night. So tonight, everyone can let loose, drink up, and on top of that, I got us a 40% discount!"
Crystal rolled her eyes and whispered to Sophia, "Now it makes sense why she was so eager to join us. Just showing off, as usual. A nightclub manager, what's there to boast about?"
"It's all about the money, honey," Eileen shrugged, her voice a low murmur. Having lived in B City all her life, she was quite familiar with her classmates' affairs. "Since graduating, Miranda hasn't worked a day, just living off her boyfriends. The current one apparently gives her a lavish allowance of around $7,000 a month. She's always bragging about it in our group chat, but you guys wouldn't know since you're not in it."
Sophia sighed, increasingly exasperated. In this day and age, was being financially dependent on a man really something to boast about? "Sophia!"
Another girl, Hilary, suddenly chimed in. "What are you up to these days?"
"I'm a designer," Sophia replied.
"Not bad. Got a boyfriend yet?"
Sophia paused. "Nope."
"You're not still waiting for Robin, are you? Heard he's made it big, even took his company public!" Hilary's laughter carried a hint of mockery, suggesting Sophia was aiming too high.
Sophia responded coolly, "Seems like you've been keeping tabs on him, too."
Hilary's smile stiffened momentarily. "Well, he was a classmate. Naturally, I'd be curious. Oh, and Zoey's single too. You know, keeping it all in the circle. Maybe you should consider him!"
Zoey, who had been quietly observing, smirked, his cigarette dangling. "Hilary, what are you on about?"
Miranda jumped in, "What, you think Sophia's not good enough for you? Sure, you're good-looking and come from money, but Sophia's no slouch either. She's got looks, at least."
It was a backhanded compliment aimed at putting Sophia down.
Sophia had always been private about her family background at school, dressing modestly, leading many to assume her parents were just average folks.
Zoey laughed, "I meant that Sophia's heart is set on Robin. Why would she settle for me?"
"So, Sophia's doomed to spinsterhood?" Miranda joked, then added, "Just kidding, don't take it to heart!"
Sophia's face turned steely. Standing up abruptly, she splashed her drink in Miranda's face. "Just kidding, don't take it to heart!"
Miranda froze, then, regaining her composure, grabbed a nearby bottle to retaliate.
Crystal quickly pulled Sophia aside and used a cushion to deflect the incoming assault, sending the bottle crashing back towards Miranda.
Miranda collapsed onto the couch, her face twisted in rage. She jumped up, ready to escalate the fight.
The room's atmosphere instantly tensed.
Crystal stood her ground, her voice ice cold. "We're here to enjoy ourselves. If you can't behave, you can just leave. Don't test my patience."
"What's going on here?" Zoey and another guy, Romeo, intervened, trying to defuse the situation. "We're all classmates here, haven't seen each other in ages. Why the
hostility? Let's leave the pa
in the
past, okay?"
Crystal retorted, "Some people just can't help but provoke others."
Miranda, her face pale with anger, was at a loss for words.
net
"Let's all calm down, for my sake," Zoey suggested, guiding Sophia back to her seat. "The bonds of friendship are what matter most. Let's cherish that, shall we?" Content
"How about we sing instead?" Romeo grabbed the mic. "Old hits or the latest chart-toppers?"
The crowd quickly shifted focus,
some voting for classics, others for
modern tunes, deliberately
evelise
lightening the mood. The tension
began to dissipate.
As the evening wore on, with singing and laughter filling the air, someone suggested playing a game.
Miranda, sly as ever, nudged Zoey, who found himself conveniently seated next to Sophia.
Hilary asked, "What should we play?"
"How about something thrilling?" Miranda proposed, a mischievous glint in her eye.