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To salvage the situation, Jeremy quickly interjected, “The waiter is just being polite. I’ve been to this restaurant several times, and I simply wanted everyone to order what they preferred.
“However, when it comes to settling the bill, it’s on me.”
“Jeremy, you’re just as charming and handsome as ever, nothing has changed,”
Upon hearing Ramona compliment Jeremy and flirt with him on purpose, Mia’s appetite immediately diminished.
She glanced at Gina and Taylor seated beside her; they seemed to be engrossed in conversation.
Silently, Mia poured herself a glass of lemon water.
Even though she was somewhat put off by Ramona and Jeremy’s demeanor at the table, her sole purpose for coming was to try to set up Gina with Taylor.
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Before long, the waiter arrived with the dishes.
Soon, the table was filled with food, noticeably more than what they had originally ordered.
Jeremy was the first to notice something was amiss. “I don’t believe we ordered this much,” he remarked.
Glancing at Mia, the waiter announced, “These dishes are compliments from the restaurant owner, Mr.
Irwin Russ. He hopes you all enjoy your meal and have a wonderful time.”
As the waiter left, Jeremy found himself puzzled.
In reality, he rarely interacted with Irwin, as they operated in entirely different social circles.
Even if Jeremy wanted to impress him, he simply didn’t have the means to do so.
Ramona closely observed the dishes on the table and exclaimed, “Jeremy, aren’t these dishes from the exclusive VIP menu? How did they end up here? Only VIP guests can order them!”
Everyone had presumed these dishes wouldn’t be served following Mia’s embarrassing mishap just now.
Yet, much to their surprise, all of them were brought to the table.
Jolene promptly added, “This must be due to Jeremy’s influence, right? Who else here could have that kind of clout?¡®
Ramona nodded with a smile. “Exactly! Jeremy, you sly dog, keeping this all to yourself? I even tried persuading my parents for the membership card to this place, but they wouldn’t budge.
“And here you are, concealing your VIP status like it’s no big deal.
Suddenly, the entire room was lavishing Jeremy with praise.
Jeremy’s expression became slightly uncomfortable. After all, he was just an ordinary patron. He couldn’t have possibly ordered dishes from the VIP menu.
He struggled to comprehend why there were suddenly so many exclusive dishes on the table. Was it a mistake?
Despite his confusion, Jeremy didn’t want to risk embarrassment by denying it.
Suddenly, Mia’s phone puzzed. She retrieved it and saw a message from Claude. “How’s the food today? I’ve already spoken to Mr. Russ, so you can expect top¨Cnotch treatment!”
Upon reading the message, Mia finally understood why the waiter had treated her so courteously earlier.
It turned out that Claude had spoken to Irwin.
Mia responded with an emoji, “Thanks, Claude.”
Leaning in, Gina whispered, “So it’s because of your brother, right? Why didn’t you mention it? Can’t you see how everyone is flattering Jeremy?”
As Mia placed her phone down, she overheard Ramona showering Jeremy with compliments.
Everyone seemed to believe that the extra dishes were brought out due to Jeremy’s influence.
However, Mia didn’t feel compelled to disclose the truth.
In a subdued voice, she remarked, “It’s unnecessary. Besides, there won’t be another occasion like this.”
“Exactly, there’s no point in staying in touch with these individuals. It’s not worth it,” Gina agreed.
Mia flashed a grin at Gina and asked, “Anyway, what are your thoughts on Taylor?”
Chapter 546
After Mia posed her question, she noticed a faint blush on Gina’s cheeks. Indeed, this was the primary reason Mia had come to the reunion today—solely to accompany Gina.
Just then, Jeremy raised his glass, declaring, “Everyone, I propose a toast. I appreciate each of you for gracing us with your presence tonight. Here’s to a prosperous future and abundant wealth!”
Abstaining from alcohol, Mia decided to pour herself a glass of lemon water instead.
Ramona quickly pointed out, “Mia, everyone else is drinking, but you’re sticking with water. What’s the deal? Why aren’t you trying to be sociable?”
In a composed manner, Mia explained, “I haven’t been feeling well lately and can’t consume alcohol. I apologize.”
Given her pregnancy, it was evident that alcohol was off-limits for her.
Ramona expressed her disapproval, questioning, “What do you mean by ‘you can’t drink’? Are you purposely trying to be different and draw attention to yourself?”
Interrupting Ramona, Jeremy intervened, asserting, “If she chooses not to drink, that’s entirely up to her. After all, this is a class reunion, not a formal business event. How about we let everyone make their own choice?”
Frustrated, Ramona could only shoot Mia a resentful look.
Once Jeremy had finished his drink, he approached Mia. “Hey Mia, let’s swap numbers. Our company has design projects too. Once you graduate from university, you can join our team. The benefits are quite appealing.”
“Let’s discuss it after I graduate. I’m still undecided,” Mia responded.
After all, she had already made plans to depart for Nord City. Hence, working in Bern City wasn’t on her agenda.
As Ramona observed Jeremy asking for Mia’s number, her underlying discontent reached its peak.
She intentionally spoke up, asserting, “Mia, we’re all classmates here, so if you decide to join the company in the future, we’ll ensure you’re well looked after.
“However, I’ve heard that the HR department isn’t particularly welcoming to divorced women. But don’t worry, I have connections with the HR manager, and I’ll put in a good word for you when the time comes.”
Gina swiftly interjected, “Well, Mia isn’t interested at all. After winning first place in the Fleur International Design Competition, both the Barrett Group and Nord City’s Vista Properties extended job offers to her.”
Ramona countered, “Pfft, anyone can boast. If Mia is genuinely that talented, why hasn’t she joined a major corporation already? What’s the point of returning to university?”
“Because Mia wants to complete her exams and earn her degree before entering the workforce.”
Jeremy raised a concern. “Isn’t she putting the cart before the horse? Even with a degree, there’s no guarantee she will land a job at those big corporations.”
Gina spoke confidently, “It’s not a problem. The company’s HR department has assured Mia that she can join them as soon as she graduates.”
Upon hearing this, a flicker of jealousy crossed Ramona’s expression.
Jolene voiced her skepticism, stating, “Words mean little without evidence.”
Gina promptly shared screenshots in the group chat, providing proof of her connections with representatives from both corporations.
She remarked, “There’s no need for lies when the evidence speaks for itself!”
Upon viewing the screenshots, the rest of the classmates couldn’t hide their envy. “Mia, your talent is remarkable,” one commented.
“Indeed, Mia, when you join these prominent corporations in the future, please remember us,” another added.
With a smile, Jeremy chimed in, “Mia, these corporations are thriving. Congratulations in advance! Let’s make plans to meet up more frequently in the future.”
Furious, Ramona and Jolene remained on the sidelines, unable to savor their meal.
After finishing their dinner and settling the bill, Mia accompanied Gina to the restroom.
Upon reaching the entrance of the private room, they were met by a middle-aged man dressed in a suit.
The man politely addressed Mia, asking, “Was your meal satisfactory?”
Mia responded with a hint of skepticism, “It was okay.”
Ramona hurriedly exited the room, her face beaming with excitement. “Mia, do you know this middle-aged man? Is he your new boyfriend?”
Upon hearing Ramona’s words, Mia was momentarily stunned.
She shot Ramona a glare and countered, “Did you ingest garbage before leaving your house today? Your breath reeks terribly!”
Feeling offended, Ramona responded sharply, “Is your anger a reaction to feeling embarrassed? Did I touch a nerve? Could it be that you’re juggling two relationships at once?
“If the gentleman who escorted you here discovers you’re involved with another middle-aged man, he might reclaim all those designer labels you were flaunting!”
Without hesitation, Mia delivered a firm slap across Ramona’s face, causing her hand to tingle from the impact. Ramona was left momentarily dazed, feeling as though she were seeing stars, with half of her face numbed by the force of the slap.
The entire room fell into silence.
After a moment of stillness, Ramona let out a piercing scream. “Mia, how dare you strike me! Who do you think you are to lay your hands on me? My father will never let you get away with this!” Jolene interjected, “Ramona, are you alright? This is serious. We should contact the police! Mia needs to face the consequences of her actions!”