Bonnie retrieved a gold-trimmed envelope from the second drawer. Its surface displayed a delicate ink painting of mountains and rivers, meticulously crafted. Handing it to Yvette, Bonnie said, "Yve, Winona sent this. She personally delivered it to our dorm the day after you left. It's an invitation to her apprenticeship ceremony on Sunday. She also mentioned your father will publicly announce your identity at the event."
Bonnie paused, then said angrily, "Yve, you have no idea how infuriating Winona is. She said the ceremony is incredibly important and expects you to be there on time. Her ceremony and your welcome-home party are at the same time, but she acts like it's all about her."
Yvette nodded indifferently, casually slipping on a tracksuit. Without a second glance, she tossed the envelope onto the table. Playfully pinching Bonnie's cheek, she said lazily, "Let's go. It's not worth getting upset over. I'll treat you to a milkshake."
Bonnie glanced at Yvette, whose expression remained unchanged. She seemed to have worried unnecessarily; Yvette didn't care. Recalling Winona's arrogance when delivering the invitation, Bonnie grumbled inwardly.
They first went to Argrol University students' favorite milkshake shop, only to find it closed. A note on the door explained the owner was getting married and the shop would be closed for three days.
They went to a slightly more distant dessert shop, known for its cream cakes and popular with Argrol University couples. After ordering their milkshakes, Yvette told Bonnie to go inside while she waited outside. Standing near the entrance, one hand in her pocket, Yvette scrolled through news on her phone. She came across an entertainment article about Winona's apprenticeship ceremony.
The article showered Winona with excessive praise—genius, graceful lady, role model, perfect in every way. Just as Yvette was about to scroll past, something caught her eye: Matthew from the Carter family would make a major announcement at the event, urging readers to stay tuned—a typical media ploy to create intrigue.
"Miss, your milkshake's ready," the shop attendant said, having been subtly eyeing Yvette while making the drinks. As he handed it over, seeing Yvette's slender hand, his face flushed. Seeing her about to leave, he blurted, "Wait. I added extra caramel. Hope you like it."
Yvette stopped, turned, and politely thanked him, "Thanks."
The unexpected response left him even redder. He shouted, "Goddess! I'm Flynn Reynolds from the computer science department, and I'll always support you!"
His shout attracted attention, but his happiness overshadowed any embarrassment. Yvette simply turned her back to the onlookers.
Inside, Bonnie sat in a corner by the window—the same spot Yvette and Yulia had occupied before. It offered the best view, but Bonnie was visibly uncomfortable.
Yvette, carrying the milkshakes, approached, and halfway there understood Bonnie's unease. Not far away, Tobias was conversing with a stylish young woman, his seat directly facing Bonnie.
Bonnie was clearly uncomfortable, trapped in an awkward situation. A simple hello would have sufficed, but who would have guessed Tobias was on a blind date? In the five minutes she'd been sitting there, it felt like an eternity. Worse, she overheard the woman belittling his profession and salary, infuriating her.
As Yvette passed Tobias, she greeted him, "Hello, Mr. Sunderland."
Tobias hadn't wanted to be there. The blind date was Simon's doing—Simon, Argrol University's principal, a conservative man who endlessly nagged Tobias about marriage and children.
Tobias felt perfectly capable of managing his life alone. He didn't want to marry, but Simon's incessant nagging had finally pushed him to reluctantly agree to the date. From the moment he sat down, the woman had been criticizing him, even suggesting he quit his job. He'd been trying to leave, but she insisted they continue talking.
He had no choice but to endure it with a forced smile. Yvette's arrival was a welcome reprieve. He immediately stood. "Yvette! Is your business settled? Did you just get back? Are you here specifically to—"
Tobias saw Yvette as his savior, his hope evident. His rapid questions caught Yvette off guard, but seeing Tobias and his date, she understood. Playing along, she replied politely, "Yes. If you're available, I have some questions I'd like to ask you."
Tobias eagerly nodded, "Of course! Let's discuss it immediately."
Relieved to have an excuse, Tobias turned to Sophia Morris with a gentlemanly smile, "Ms. Morris, I apologize, but I have an urgent matter. The coffee's on me, but I don't think we're a good match. It seems you don't find me suitable either. Let's leave it at that."
Sophia, from a wealthy Seacrity family, hadn't been keen on the blind date initially. However, meeting Tobias in person, she was attracted to his appearance. Her family's wealth rendered his income irrelevant; she wanted him to marry into her family. This had fueled her belittling remarks.
She'd forgotten her father's advice to be polite and avoid offending him. Seeing Yvette, she initially assumed she was Tobias' ex-girlfriend. Learning Yvette was a student brought relief, but discomfort remained. Yvette's natural beauty—a stark contrast to Sophia's surgically enhanced features—triggered jealousy, which she didn't attempt to conceal.
When Tobias rejected her and prepared to leave with Yvette, Sophia slammed her glass on the table. Glaring at Yvette, she sneered sarcastically, "Tobias, you should be grateful someone like me took an interest. But you're blind and don't know what's best for you. Well, forget it!" Even then, dissatisfied, she tried to splash water at Tobias.