Chapter 231 - 229: Everything Is Terrible, So You Can Rest Assured

Cecilia Sterling’s words were like a machine gun’s barrage, an indiscriminate attack that spared no one in the room.

Everyone stared at each other, clearly stunned by the change in Cecilia Sterling. How had the innocent, gentle, and demure Cecilia of the past become so aggressive and sharp-tongued?

’She’s absolutely brutal!’

’Her tongue is so venomous, she’d probably poison herself if she licked her own lips.’

Cecilia was about to turn and leave when she suddenly stopped, looked at everyone, and gave them a smirk.

The moment she smiled, everyone had a terrible premonition.

Then, they heard Cecilia speak. "I almost forgot the most important part. I know you’re all very ’concerned’ about how I’ve been doing in Lorcain these past two years. You’re even more ’concerned’ about where my current wealth comes from."

"To put it simply, I didn’t rely on anyone—especially not a man—to acquire a fortune you couldn’t earn in ten lifetimes. Properties worth millions of dollars and luxury cars costing in the six figures are just ordinary, everyday things to me."

"I can solve any problem money can solve. My boyfriend is an upstanding guy with eight-pack abs. I have friends who are worthy of my trust and teachers who genuinely care for me."

"The connections I’ve made are in a social circle you could never hope to enter, no matter how hard you try. My starting line is higher than the finish line you’ll spend your entire lives struggling to reach."

"Hoping to see me make a fool of myself? The more you learn about the person I am today, the less you’ll feel like laughing."

"Of course, I know that since I’m this beautiful and this rich, many of you are jealous. You’re triggered. It’s okay if you doubt me, because none of that changes the facts."

"In short, everything is going just great for me, so you can all rest easy!"

With that, Cecilia Sterling picked up her Hermes bag and walked toward the door of the private room without giving anyone a second glance.

Just then, the door was suddenly pushed open from the outside. The manager of The Crimson Candle Inn walked in, personally carrying a bottle of expensive red wine.

The man seemed to know exactly who he was looking for, recognizing Cecilia Sterling at a glance. "Miss Sterling," he said respectfully, "our boss asked me to bring you a bottle of fine wine."

This scene made those who still harbored some doubt widen their eyes in shock.

’The owner of The Crimson Candle Inn?’

’Sending wine specifically for Cecilia?’

Lisa Upton found it the most unbelievable. Considering the inn’s reputation and status in Veridia—not to mention its Three Michelin Stars—even her own father had never received such courteous treatment when he dined here.

’And her father was a long-time member!’

"Mr. Warner is too kind. I told him not to make any special arrangements. As you can see, I was just about to leave. Please thank him for me."

"You’re leaving, Miss Sterling? But you just arrived, didn’t you?"

The manager didn’t know what had just transpired. Seeing that she was leaving, he quickly asked Cecilia Sterling to wait a moment while he took out his walkie-talkie. "Let the boss know Miss Sterling is leaving."

Seeing how flustered he was, Cecilia reassured him, "There’s no need to make such a fuss. I’ll just pop downstairs in a moment to say hello to Mr. Warner myself."

"Please, Miss Sterling, don’t rush off. The boss gave specific instructions that we must inform him if you decide to leave."

At this, Cecilia could only nod. But not wanting to spend another second in the room, she said, "I’ll wait for him outside, then."

Before the words had even left her mouth, Mr. Warner came hurrying over, having heard the news. He pushed the door open without even knocking.

The moment he appeared, everyone in the room gasped in unison.

Evren Warner!

The living, breathing Evren Warner!

They were all Veridia locals, so they were no strangers to the business tycoon Evren Warner. He was an entrepreneur who frequently appeared in Veridia’s business journals and on television, with a net worth in the millions!

The attitude Evren Warner showed Cecilia upon his arrival completely shattered any lingering doubts the others had about her earlier words.

Evren Warner was all smiles. While not exactly fawning, his tone was exceptionally warm and respectful. "Miss Sterling, why are you leaving so soon? Is our food not to your liking?"

Cecilia smiled sweetly. "Mr. Warner, your food is undoubtedly wonderful. It’s just a shame about the timing today... and the company. I’ve lost my appetite. I’ll be sure to come back and properly enjoy a meal some other time."

"What? Since you’re already here, why wait for next time? It’s a rare honor for me to treat you to a meal, Miss Sterling. If the company in this room isn’t right, I’ll arrange a separate private room for you immediately. All you have to do is grace me with your presence; I’ll handle everything else!"

’Mr. Warner was being so hospitable. Cecilia felt a surge of gratitude. He must have overheard some of the nasty comments at the door just now. He was clearly doing this on purpose—helping her save face in front of these clueless former classmates.’

It would have been rude to refuse. "Well, since you’ve put it that way, how can I say no, Mr. Warner?"

Seeing her accept, Evren Warner laughed heartily. "Please, don’t stand on ceremony with me! My only hope is that you’ll think of me if any good business ventures come your way. After all, I’ll have to rely on your help in Lorcain, won’t I?"

"You flatter me, Mr. Warner. You’re my senior and my elder. I’m the one who should be learning from you."

"Oh, Miss Sterling, now you’re just being modest..."

The two of them left the private room, still talking, leaving everyone at the table to stare at each other, utterly dumbfounded by what had just happened.

It was a long moment before anyone came to their senses.

"Holy shit, was that for real? Did you see him? That was Evren Warner! Did you see how he treated Cecilia?"

The others snapped out of it too, their shocked voices chiming in.

"Cecilia wasn’t bluffing! Even Evren Warner said he’d have to rely on her in Lorcain! That’s Evren Warner we’re talking about, a millionaire!"

"I didn’t say anything bad about her just now."

"Me neither!"

"Oh, trying to wash your hands of it now? Every single person here today came to see Cecilia, didn’t you?"

"It’s true I wanted to see her, but I wasn’t hoping she’d be humiliated! I don’t have any beef with her, after all!"

As soon as this was said, everyone’s gaze subconsciously turned toward Lisa Upton.

Lisa Upton was the one who had most clearly targeted Cecilia today, and she was also the one who had been most thoroughly humiliated.

Feeling their stares, Lisa Upton’s face darkened. "What are you all looking at me for? Is it a crime for me to treat everyone to a meal?"

"Lisa, that business between you, Cecilia, and Hector happened back in high school. Why drag it out and make things so ugly?"

"Yeah, and everyone’s here today. If you have a problem with her, you should have handled it privately. Don’t drag the rest of us into it to get yelled at, too."

"You made it look like we were all ganging up on Cecilia with you."

Seeing the tide turn against her, some people started trying to distance themselves, claiming they had only come for the reunion.

The hypocrisy made Lisa Upton laugh with rage. "Oh, so now you’re all scrambling to save your own skins? Why didn’t any of you dare to make a peep just a minute ago? Don’t think for a second I don’t know you all came here hoping to watch a train wreck. Stop acting so high and mighty!"