Chapter 127: Bottoms Up

If Jared hadn't been the target, Felix wouldn't have behaved that way. Xavier, visibly depressed after being ejected from the office, had not only lost a million but also failed to injure Jared—a terrible shame in his eyes. "Ahhh!" Xavier screamed, venting his frustration after leaving the Vintage Restaurant.

Meanwhile, Fellon Street in Horington, famed for its street food, was deserted during the day. But at night, crowds and food stalls filled both sides of the street. Jared and Hilda found an appealing stall and took seats, patiently waiting for their order. The stall's business meant a considerable wait.

"Jared, the Bentley ride was sublime! Does it really belong to your friend?" Hilda asked excitedly.

"Of course. Why would I lie? The driver is my friend's employee," Jared replied truthfully. Tommy was both his friend and subordinate.

"Is your friend a businessman? He's very rich," Hilda mused, curious about Jared's friend's occupation.

"I'm not sure. He's probably in trading and is single. If he weren't much older than us, I might introduce you" Jared mused, considering the age gap.

"No. If it were up to me, I'd prefer someone like you," Hilda replied, her longing evident. Jared quickly averted his gaze, uncomfortable with her directness.

"The food's here. Let's order some beer," he said, relieved by the interruption. He hadn't known how to respond to Hilda's obvious affection.

"All right then! Let's drink until we're drunk!" Hilda agreed happily.

Jared ordered two cases of beer; Hilda could easily drink a case herself. They sat and chatted, reminiscing about their teenage years. Jared had moved to Horington from a village with his parents; Hilda had lived in Horington her whole life. Their old neighborhood, once decent, was now dilapidated, dwarfed by rapidly rising skyscrapers.

"Jared, do you remember standing up for me when I was bullied? I always hid behind you; it gave me such a sense of security," Hilda reminisced.

Jared chuckled.

"And you picking bird eggs for me, getting punished by your dad! And bringing me sweets from your house" Hilda continued, listing Jared's childhood kindnesses.

Suddenly, a blonde woman in a skirt and stilettos approached their table.

"Hilda! What a coincidence! I didn't expect to find you at a street stall," the blonde remarked, patting Hilda's shoulder.

Hilda stood. "Yolanda! You're supposed to be overseas! When did you return?"

Yolanda smiled awkwardly. "Overseas? I've been here the whole time. I lied to my parents."

"Then what are you doing now?" Hilda asked, scrutinizing Yolanda.

After a pause, Yolanda replied hesitantly, "I'm in PR."

Jared, after observing her, sensed a seedy element to Yolanda's profession.