Jaylene’s eyelids nearly cramped from blinking, but Alarieka remained oblivious. Alarieka glared at Shi Yao, Shi Yao glared back. Sparks flew between their locked stares. Trapped between them, Nie Guanyu flushed crimson. Within seconds, urged by Shi Yao, Nie Guanyu stood to shuffle away. Alarieka commanded coldly: “Stay. Sit down.” Nie Guanyu stiffened, hunching slightly as he trembled. He peeked at the handsome guy – still scowling fiercely – and quickly averted his eyes. He glanced at Alarieka – her expression equally stormy.

Sweat beaded on Nie Guanyu’s forehead, paralyzed with indecision. Jaylene finally waved him over. “Sit by me. Come here.” Alarieka shot her a warning glare. Shi Yao’s expression softened slightly; he nodded approval. Unfazed, Jaylene grinned. “Alarieka, he’s a total catch. Let him sit. Everyone settle down – let’s chat properly.” Shi Yao nodded emphatically. “We definitely should talk.” Nie Guanyu fled gratefully, circling past Shi Yao to sit opposite his original seat. Shi Yao lifted his chin and claimed the spot beside Alarieka, arms crossed as he looked down at her. Alarieka gritted her teeth. “Why are you here?” Shi Yao snorted. “To catch you cheating.” Jaylene, Nie Guanyu: ! Alarieka hissed under her breath: “Stop this madness!” Jaylene raised a hand, silencing her. “Alarieka, how can you be so rude to someone this gorgeous? That’s unacceptable. He’s our guest – show some respect.” With that, Jaylene slid her untouched coffee over. “Haven’t touched it yet, handsome. It’s yours.” Victor accepted the cup with practiced grace. “Thanks.” He then cast a disdainful look at Alarieka. “Your friend’s decent, at least.” Alarieka glared at Jaylene, her voice strained. “Whose side are you on anyway?” Jaylene blinked playfully. “Team Gossip, obviously.” Her eyes turned accusatory. “You still haven’t spilled! When did you meet this hunk? Why keep me in the dark? Some friend you are!” Alarieka opened her mouth to protest, but Victor cut in. “I’m her across-the-hall neighbor.”

Jaylene’s eyes lit up. “Really? I’m her across-the-hall neighbor too!” Victor frowned. “Meaning?” “I live there! Just been away lately.” Jaylene beamed at him. “Had I known you were next door, I’d never leave home!” She extended her hand. “Jaylene Irwin, Alarieka’s friend. Pleasure!” Victor lowered his eyelids, shooting Alarieka a sidelong glance before snorting coldly. See? Even your friend knows basic manners. Lifting his chin, he briefly clasped Jaylene’s hand with his well-manicured one before withdrawing. “Victor. Don’t bother – I’m rarely there.” Jaylene’s gaze darted between them, sparkling with unrestrained curiosity. Gossip involving Alarieka and a gorgeous man? She needed popcorn. “So… this confession thing. Can I get details?” Victor took a slow sip of coffee, posture impeccable. “Ask Alarieka. Entirely her fault.” Alarieka’s smile turned dangerous. “Explain. My fault how?” Victor scowled. “Whose else? You confessed to me." Jaylene. Gavin: Wow. Alarieka gritted her teeth. “I told you – misunderstanding!” Victor regarded her with pitying superiority. “You literally banged your head against the wall after I rejected you. Stop lying to yourself.” “I SAID IT WAS A MISUNDERSTANDING!” Alarieka snapped. Jaylene watched raptly, regretting not buying popcorn earlier. Perfect drama fuel. Victor snorted, eyeing Gavin across the table with icy sarcasm. “Well, now that you’ve got a new someone, denial comes easy.” Jaylene’s eyes bulged, staring dumbfounded at Gavin. Gavin blinked, frozen. Alarieka choked on air. “New what?” Victor pressed his lips shut. Realization dawned on Alarieka. Her lips curved without warmth. “This is my friend. What did you think he was?” Victor’s only reply was another derisive snort. Alarieka: So mad right now. Can I just hit someone? Seeing Alarieka was about to blow, Jaylene stepped in to mediate: “Handsome, you’ve got it all wrong. This is Nie Guanyu, seriously Alarieka’s friend. They’re not what you’re thinking.”