Chapter 128: Class Reunion

Hilda recognized Yolanda's profession and fell silent, unsure how to respond.

"Who's this? Your boyfriend?" Yolanda asked, attempting to ease the tension.

"No, he's my friend," Hilda replied, blushing.

Jared stood, offering his hand. "Hi, I'm Jared."

"Hi, I'm Yolanda. I was Hilda's classmate and dormmate," Yolanda said, shaking his hand.

However, Yolanda sensed Hilda's feelings for Jared, though Hilda hesitated to acknowledge them. When Jared invited Yolanda to join them, she accepted.

After settling down, Yolanda asked, "Hilda, there's a class reunion tomorrow. Are you going?"

"A class reunion? Who organized it?" Hilda was surprised; three years post-graduation, no one had previously organized one.

"Oh? No one told you?" Yolanda was stunned.

Hilda shook her head.

Yolanda sighed. "It's Michelle. She's with Lincoln now." (The promotional text has been removed.)

Hearing Lincoln's name, Hilda trembled and flushed with anger.

Jared noticed her reaction and asked, "Who's Lincoln?"

Yolanda sought Hilda's permission before answering. "He's my ex-boyfriend," Hilda said.

"The guy who cheated you out of your money?" Jared knew Hilda had worked as a hostess to repay debts her ex had tricked her into incurring.

Hilda nodded.

"Hilda, Lincoln cheated you?" Yolanda exclaimed.

After hearing Hilda's story, Yolanda fumed. "I always knew he was a jerk. Michelle's been harassing you since school, even though she was your dormmate! She obviously got with Lincoln to spite you. Let's let that scumbag teach her a lesson!"

"That's in the past. I don't want anything to do with Lincoln. Don't tell anyone you saw me," Hilda said, not wanting Lincoln to know she avoided the reunion because of him.

"If you're not going, neither am I. Class reunions are just show-offs these days," Yolanda agreed.

"Hilda, why not go? Show that jerk how well you're doing!" Jared suggested.

Hilda looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"I'll go with you. Plus, free food!" Jared said with a smile.

Hilda's surprise quickly turned to delight.

"Hilda, your boyfriend's right! Let's go and show that jerk what a great life you have!" Yolanda urged.

Hilda agreed.

As they chatted and drank, a large man wearing a gold chain approached and slapped Yolanda without a word.