Chapter 144: Betrayed

Lincoln subtly observed everyone's expressions, a barely perceptible smile playing on his lips. "While this meal isn't expensive, I know many of you are short on cash. Consider it on me, as long as you toast me!"

His gaze then shifted pointedly to Hilda and Yolanda.

"Wow, thank you, Lincoln! Let me be the first!" someone immediately exclaimed, raising their wine glass in a toast.

Soon, everyone joined in, offering toasts with obsequious smiles. Hilda, Jared, and Yolanda were the only exceptions.

"Aren't you going to toast Lincoln, Yolanda?" Yvonne asked.

"I can afford to pay eight thousand," Yolanda replied, making her preference clear—she'd rather pay than participate in the toast.

"Stop acting rich! How many clients would you have to sleep with to make that much? I was only trying to help!" Yvonne scoffed, rolling her eyes.

The remark struck like a bolt from the blue. All eyes turned to Yolanda, whose face flushed crimson with mortification.

"What nonsense are you spouting, Yvonne? I'll kill you!" Yolanda cried, leaping to her feet, wine bottle in hand.

"Watch your tongue, Yolanda! I'm not spouting nonsense. Don't you know your own profession?" Yvonne retorted, refusing to back down.

Trembling, Yolanda raised the bottle, about to throw it at Yvonne, then hesitated. I considered her a close friend, yet she betrayed me! she thought.

At that moment, Michelle intervened, snatching the bottle from Yolanda. With a cold expression, she roared, "Why are you two making a scene? I organized this reunion! If you're going to cause trouble, leave!" (She had only taken on the role of hostess because Lincoln was her boyfriend.)

Yvonne fell silent under Michelle's harsh reprimand. Yolanda, however, sank back into her chair, tears welling in her eyes. The others, particularly the men, looked at her with lecherous gazes, calculating the possibility of a cheap encounter.

Yolanda remained silent, her head bowed.

Ignoring Yolanda, Michelle announced, "Come on, let's eat! You don't get food this good often!"

Everyone eagerly resumed eating, ignoring Yolanda except for Hilda, who offered comfort. Yolanda remained silent.

While the others drank and toasted, Jared focused solely on his food. Similarly ignored, he reciprocated the indifference.

Lincoln, observing Jared, raised his glass. "Why are you only eating, Jared? Trying to get your money's worth? Don't eat yourself sick!"

Laughter erupted.

Jared wiped his mouth and replied calmly, "This wine is too cheap. I'm not used to drinking such poor quality."

The comment stunned everyone. It was Sauvignon Blanc, costing thousands per bottle.

Lincoln sneered, "What would you prefer then? This is free, but other drinks will cost you."

Jared calmly explained, "Ah, money isn't the issue. Cheap wine makes me cough."