Chapter 226: Class Reunion

A taxi pulled up in front of the Meadow Restaurant. Jared paid the fare and exited as the taxi drove away. Numerous luxury cars were parked outside. Suddenly, a Mercedes-Benz C-Class screeched to a halt before him.

The window rolled down, and a young man with earrings leaned out. "Hey, Jared! I heard you were in prison! When did you get out?"

It was Leroy Fletcher, Jared's university classmate. Even in college, Leroy came from a well-off family, owning a small factory. A few years post-graduation, and he was already driving a Mercedes-Benz.

Pamela Ingram, Leroy's girlfriend (and also a university classmate of Jared's), leaned out from the passenger seat. "Jared, don't you think that's a little shabby for a class reunion?" she sneered.

Jared wasn't wearing the expensive suit Josephine had bought him; he found it too restrictive and preferred his comfortable, casual clothes.

"Cut it out!" Leroy said, parking the car and getting out. "He just got out of prison; this is probably the best he's got. Who even told you about the reunion? I didn't call you."

"I'm not here for the reunion," Jared replied, heading toward the restaurant.

Pamela blocked his path. "Don't tell me you're here for lunch? You don't look like you can afford to eat here. Admit it, you came for a free meal, right? It's no shame; we're all classmates. Juliette's paying, and Sandy's coming! Sandy, the daughter-in-law of the Scott family—what a rare opportunity!" She spoke with heavy sarcasm.

Leroy smirked. "You haven't forgotten Sandy's Jared's ex-girlfriend, have you? Mr. Scott put him in prison. He probably doesn't dare come to the reunion for fear of Mr. Scott."

Pamela moved aside. "Go on, find a place to hide. You can have our leftovers."

Jared chuckled bitterly at their taunts. "I'll attend the reunion with you." He knew they were provoking him, but he wanted to see just how materialistic his former classmates had become.

Pamela and Leroy exchanged a knowing glance. They had lured him here to humiliate him and impress Sandy, who had married into the Scott family. Leroy's company was collaborating with the Scotts, and he hoped to secure projects through Sandy.

They led Jared to a private room where seven or eight people, including Juliette (the reunion's host), were gathered.

"You're late, Leroy! Three glasses of something later!" someone called out.

"I hear you bought a Mercedes! Incredible for someone so young!" another exclaimed.

"You're still dating Pamela? I thought you'd broken up after graduation!" someone else added.

Leroy, now considered a small-time big shot, was greeted enthusiastically.

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