Chapter 193: Echoes of Envy
Yvette, upon hearing what had happened, immediately booked a private KTV room, suggesting they come over to have some fun and let off steam. Half an hour later, Summer and Sienna arrived.
Inside the private lounge, Yvette sat on the plush sofa, her fingers swiftly tapping away on her phone. A waiter stood nearby, opening bottles of expensive liquor and arranging a plate of fresh fruit.
It had been a long time since Sienna had seen Yvette. Most of her recent glimpses of her old friend had been through television screens and social media. Now, standing before her in real life, she felt an unexpected unease. Compared to Summer and Yvette, both of whom carried an effortless grace and confidence, she felt out of place, like she no longer belonged in their world.
“Yvette, long time no see,” Sienna greeted hesitantly.
Yvette had just sent her final message for a brand endorsement when she heard Sienna’s voice. She looked up and scoffed lightly. “Oh, come on. Crying over a scumbag like that? Do you think he’s not laughing behind your back right now?”
Summer, taking a piece of fruit from the plate Yvette had offered, chuckled. “That’s why, when it comes to relationships, we should all take advice from you.” A teasing remark, but it helped ease the tension.
Sienna relaxed slightly, sinking into the sofa with a sigh. “I know, I just can’t believe how blind I was. If I had never met Mason, maybe none of this would have happened.”
Yvette was being straightforward and direct. “Your life has always been different from mine and Summer’s. You grew up in comfort, treated like a princess, protected from the real world. You’ve never faced the harsh realities of society. That’s why you fell for someone like him.”
Sienna sniffled, her emotions stirring. “Summer, thank you for today. And also… thank that prince of yours for me.”
The mention of Fraser piqued Yvette’s curiosity. Ever since Summer had suspiciously hung up on her the other day, she had been itching to pry into her love life. “Oh! Is there something I don’t know about?”
Summer smiled. “I only managed to get my hands on Mason’s dirt because of him. That’s how I helped her get the photos back.”
Sienna hesitated before asking, “Summer, what exactly is your relationship with him?”
Yvette arched a brow. “Obviously, he’s her boyfriend. A man like him, at the top of the world. Why else would he go out of his way to help you?”
Sienna had considered many possibilities about Summer and Fraser’s connection, but this was not one of them. Her expression shifted subtly. Since childhood, she had known the Graham family name. Graham Group was the largest conglomerate in Havenbrook. Years ago, her own family had once tried desperately to establish a connection with them. But then, the head of the Graham Group had left the country for further studies, and their efforts had amounted to nothing. If things had been different back then, if her family had successfully linked up with the Graham family, would she still be…
Summer simply smiled, taking a sip of her drink, saying nothing. Sienna glanced at her, her voice soft. “Summer, I really envy you. I envied you all. All of you had changed. She envied them so much it almost hurt to admit it.
Yvette, catching the undertone in her words, shot her a subtle glance. Wondering, had it been too long since they last met? Because, somehow, Sienna felt unfamiliar.
At the Aspira Design Institute Office, Merry had taken two days off for personal reasons. And since Yvette’s next film shooting had not yet started, she stuck to Summer’s side like glue.
That evening, as the three of them left work, they walked through the parking lot, chatting and laughing. Then, they saw a luxurious car parked a short distance away. Standing beside it was Mike, bowing politely as they approached.
Yvette narrowed her eyes. “That guy, he looks like he’s waiting for us…”
Mike stepped forward and spoke with the utmost respect. “Ms. Stewart, Mr. Graham has arranged for dinner with you and your friends tonight.”
Summer was momentarily stunned. “Why is he inviting us to dinner?”
Yvette gasped in mock surprise. “I can’t believe it! Fraser actually listened to my suggestion? My admiration for him just skyrocketed!”
Mike continued smoothly, “A private room has been booked at The Imperial Orchid. Mr. Graham will meet you there.”
Yvette let out an excited shriek. “The Imperial Orchid? That’s the number one must-visit restaurant in Havenbrook! Their guest list is exclusive, and reservations have to be made at least a month in advance! I’ve tried so many times, but I always miss the timing.”
Mike was not done. “Since The Imperial Orchid is in a shopping mall, Mr. Graham also mentioned that you may take your friends shopping beforehand. All expenses will be covered under his account.”
Yvette nudged Summer with her elbow. “I never thought I’d achieve financial freedom in shopping through my best friend.”
Sienna’s eyes darkened slightly, but she forced a smile.