Filed to story: Uncategorized
Upon entering the private room, Mia found herself amidst several classmates, although Gina had yet to arrive.
Ramona swiftly claimed the seat beside Jeremy, eagerly inquiring about his work.
Mia quietly seated herself beside them, listening attentively. It was then that she discovered Jeremy’s employment at a financial firm, boasting a substantial income.
As the waiter served tea, Jeremy poured a cup for Mia, commending her, “Mia, I heard you won first place in a design competition. That’s truly impressive! Congratulations!”
“Thank you, it’s just a stroke of luck,” she modestly replied.
“Don’t underestimate yourself. Luck often reflects skill just as much.”
Ramona couldn’t help but interject, “Did Mia truly win an award in a design competition, or was it one of those that almost anyone could achieve?”
“It’s the Fleur International Design Competition, hosted by the renowned Lane family in Nord City. It takes place every three years and carries considerable prestige.
“With Mia securing first place, she now holds a golden opportunity to join any top¨Ctier company in the industry.” @
Upon hearing this, Ramona couldn’t help but feel envious. 5
Mia flashed a slightly awkward yet polite smile. “Compared to your accomplishments, Jeremy, mine seem insignificant.”
Ramona couldn’t resist interjecting, “Even if Mia snagged the first prize, what’s the big deal? I heard she ditched college for some guy, so now she probably only has a high school diploma.
“What reputable company would hire someone with just a high school education?”
Jolene chimed in, “Exactly. These days, having a solid education is crucial for securing job opportunities.”
Ramona adopted a seemingly caring tone as she spoke, “Mia, I genuinely feel sorry for you. You had such good grades back then, even securing a spot in a top¨Ctier university.
“But it’s such a shame that you dropped out for a guy. If only you had a degree from a prestigious university now, along with this award, finding a good job would be a breeze.”
“Who said Mia only has a high school diploma?”
Just then, Gina barged through the door and confronted Ramona directly.
“Mia has been diligently preparing for her resit examinations on campus. Once she passes her exams and gets her thesis approved, she’ll successfully obtain her graduation certificate.”
“That’s impossible! Mia dropped out years ago. How can she suddenly decide to return to university like this?”
“Just because you can’t achieve something doesn’t mean others can’t. As I mentioned, Mia is back in college, preparing for her exams.
“Soon, she’ll graduate from Halvard University, a top¨Ctier institution, unlike someone who holds only an associate degree and still has the audacity to belittle others.”
Ramona instantly became defensive. “Gina, who are you referring to as an associate degree holder? I’ve been studying abroad for quite some time now. It’s at a prestigious university in Nord City, a place most people can only dream of.”
Jolene joined in with a boast, “Exactly! Ramona is currently studying abroad as an international student. Mia can’t even compare to that.”
Gina smirked. “That must have been quite expensive, huh?”
Ramona’s demeanor tensed. “My family is well¨Coff. Are you feeling envious or something?”
Mia immediately tugged at Gina’s sleeve, shaking her head subtly. “Let it be, there’s no need to argue about this.”
“Mia, I’m just trying to defend you here. Given that you haven’t attended any class reunions in the past few years, you might not be aware of the rumors and gossip circulating about you.
“Now is the perfect opportunity to set the record straight.”
Visibly agitated, Ramona exclaimed, “Mia, I heard you dropped out of college for a guy back then. Our class teacher thought it was such a pity. Are you still with him?”
Mia paused before responding, “No, we’re no longer together.”
“Doesn’t that mean you’re divorced now? Unfortunately, second marriages can be quite difficult these days. Perhaps I should help you find someone,” Ramona quipped.
Mia responded with a wry smile. “That won’t be necessary. We aren’t close enough for that.”
Jolene sarcastically chimed in, “Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Ramona knows some eligible guys. If you pass this up, you might regret it.”
Unable to hold back, Gina interjected, “Mia isn’t concerned about these matters. She’s financially secure and enjoys her life independently.”
After all, as the heiress of the Lane family, did Mia need to depend on any man?
Ramona burst into laughter, covering her mouth. “Well, I half¨Cexpected you to say that Mia is now living the high life with some wealthy older man.
“But let’s be real, that’s not a sustainable plan¨CAh! Why did you splash water on me?”
Casually setting down her cup, Mia retorted, “Your breath stinks, so I figured I’d help you freshen up.”
Furious, Ramona rose from her seat. “Mia, do you realize this outfit is designer? Can you even afford to compensate for it?”
Gina interjected with a cold snort. “Who told you to spread baseless rumors? Getting splashed is just what you deserve, isn’t it?”
“Where did I spread baseless rumors? Just moments ago, I saw an older man driving a luxury car, dropping her off, and even handing her a designer bag¨Cthe very one she’s holding right now. “Besides, everyone knows Mia is an orphan! Where did she get so much money to buy a designer bag?”
Mia glanced over with a steely gaze. “He’s the family chauffeur.”
“Chauffeur? Haha, Mia, are you kidding me? Just a moment ago, she was talking about discovering her family and how wealthy they are! I mean, who would buy into that?*
Ramona found it hard to believe Mia’s claims about her family’s wealth.
Gina retorted without hesitation, “Oh, Ramona, is it too much for you to handle that Mia found her biological parents, and they happen to be rich? Whether you can accept it or not, that’s the truth!”
“Where’s the evidence for that? Just because you claim Mia’s biological parents are affluent, how can we trust it?” Ramona demanded.
Mia pulled Gina aside, whispering, “Don’t worry about it. Let them believe what they want.”
Just then, Taylor stepped in, redirecting the conversation, “I reckon everyone’s feeling hungry. How about we order some food?”
Jeremy quickly joined in, adding, “Absolutely, let’s celebrate Mia’s family reunion with some extra dishes today.”
While the rest of the classmates offered their congratulations, Ramona remained seated in her chair, sulking.
She refused to believe that Mia’s family was wealthy, instead insisting that Mia was merely being supported by wealthy older men!
However, with Jeremy present, Ramona restrained herself from being too confrontational, fearing she might offend him and tarnish her refined image. 1
Handing the menu to Mia, she remarked, “Why don’t you take the lead on ordering? Considering your previous financial situation, dining at a place like this might have been out of reach for you, am I right?”
Mia looked puzzled. After all, Claude had mentioned that the food at this restaurant was mediocre and even provided her with a VIP membership card.
Consequently, Mia didn’t find this restaurant particularly impressive.
Jeremy chimed in with a warm smile, “Mia, feel free to choose whatever you like. Cost is not a concern here. Order whatever appeals to you.”
Mia cast a glance at Gina and suggested, “Why don’t we order together?”
Since Mia was already here, she couldn’t just go hungry, especially given her pregnancy and the importance of obtaining proper nourishment.
Taking a glance at the menu, she selected two dishes from the first page.
Upon placing the menu down, Ramona, seated beside her, couldn’t resist making a sarcastic comment,”
Mia, why did you choose these two dishes?”
Mia appeared puzzled. “What’s the issue with them?”
“Well, Mia, it’s understandable that you didn’t know. After all, you’ve never had the chance to dine at a restaurant like this before.
“The dishes on the first page of the menu are exclusively available to VIP guests; regular patrons can’t order them. You’re simply embarrassing yourself.”
Mia hesitated for a moment. After all, Claude had generously provided her with his VIP membership card, granting her access to order from the first page of the menu.
Considering Claude had mentioned that only these two dishes were decent, Mia opted for them.
Gina quickly retorted, “What’s the big deal about that?”
Jeremy quickly stepped in, his expression growing uneasy. “These are just gimmicks of the restaurant.
We don’t need to take them seriously.”
Ramona cynically commented, “Jeremy, you’re being overly generous, covering for Mia like that. Someone here was bragging about their wealth just a moment ago, but it seems their facade didn’t quite last, did it?”
At that moment, the waiter approached. Taking the menu, he politely asked, “Is there anything else you’d like?”
Ramona quickly interjected, saying to the waiter, “You’re asking the wrong person. The one who is treating us is right here!”
Mia was surprised by the waiter’s unexpected courtesy toward her, considering Jeremy was the one treating them.
Glancing at the waiter, she stated, “I don’t need anything else, thank you.”
With that, the waiter departed the private room without acknowledging Jeremy nearby.
Ramona quickly commented, “What kind of service is that? Such arrogance! Does he assume Mia is treating us today?”
Her remarks were met with laughter from several classmates.