Chapter 7
741 Words
Last year, Alex happened to be around for my birthday. Felix and the managers, in a flurry, bought a cake and brought it to me. That’s how he found out it was my birthday. On a whim, he told me to light the candles and make a wish. Of course, in front of Alex Thorne, I had to flatter him. I said I hoped he would still be with me for my birthday next year. I had forgotten my flattery, so it was surprising that he remembered.
"It's fine, it's fine. "And you are with me for my birthday, aren't you?" I said, ever so tactfully. "See? Even ate birthday noodles. If you hadn't been hungry, I wouldn't have thought to cook."
Alex probably felt guilty that his presence on my birthday had caused me so much distress. "Make a wish, Zoey. I'll do my best to grant it."
Alex saying something like that was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, like an open check that could be filled with any number of zeroes. Unfortunately, I had to manage the situation myself, pretending to be playfully coy. "Alright, I want a big diamond. "You'll get it for me, won't you?"
Alex was very generous. Two days later, someone delivered a diamond necklace. The central pendant was a large, dazzling diamond.
I proudly wore it everywhere, showing it off.
And so, the gossip mill churned again. The consensus was that even though Serena was the favorite, I hadn't been ousted, proving my "thousand-year-old fox spirit" cultivation was paying off.
I truly, truly never thought Lucas Reed would ask me to dinner.
My first instinct was to refuse. But then I thought, Why refuse? That would only show weakness. Better to meet him head-on.
Despite my bravado, my heart was a tangled mess as I got ready. I agonized over what to wear for ages. Finally, I gritted my teeth and picked the most expensive dress from my closet, paired it with my priciest handbag, and put on the new diamond necklace Alex had given me. I armed myself with countless dollars, from head to toe, before leaving.
The local upscale restaurants were few and familiar. I was worried about running into acquaintances and having rumors spread, so I felt guilty, like a thief, all the way there. Only when I entered the private room did I finally relax.
Lucas wasn’t alone. Quentin Black and a few other friends were there. The moment I walked in, they started hooting. "Ha! You lost!"
"Pay up!"
"Lucas is clever! He guessed Zoey would bring her alligator Birkin!"
Lucas, smiling, collected a thick stack of pink bills. He then handed half of it to me. "Here, your share."
Only then did I realize they’d been gambling. They’d bet on which handbag I’d carry. Quentin had been certain I’d carry my usual black Dior, but Lucas had insisted I’d choose an Hermès, and a rare leather Birkin at that.
I played along, graciously accepting the money, kissing the bills, and blowing kisses to everyone in the room, bowing repeatedly. "Thank you, gentlemen!"
"Is that all the thanks we get?"
"You're all big shots! "How could you demand more from a humble woman like me?" I put on a pitiful expression. "How about this: Tonight, at The Lotus Club, I'll join you again, no holds barred?
"Forget it. "If you keep going 'no holds barred,' you'll lose your life." Quentin sounded a bit annoyed. "Last time you ended up in the hospital, David chewed me out for it! Why does David defend you like a sister? It's not right! If anyone should chew me out, it should be Alex Thorne!"
My face was stiff from smiling. "Mr. Miller is just a good person, Mr. Black. See? You're thinking too much again!"
"No drinking tonight!" Quentin declared. "You suffered enough last time." So tonight, it's just a welcome back for you. Come, take your seat!"
I adamantly refused, but after much pushing and pulling, I ended up in the second guest seat, with Lucas, of course, as the main guest.
"Lucas is getting engaged tomorrow, so after dinner, we’re all heading to The Lotus Club to celebrate! Ms. Vance, it's his bachelor party! You absolutely must send your best girls to entertain our dear Lucas!"
I quickly patted my chest in assurance. "Mr. Black, rest assured! Tonight, three thousand beauties will be at Mr. Reed's disposal! He can pick anyone he fancies!"
- Writer
