The Rise of the White Lotus

"Haha," Lexi chuckled, hearing short stories from Diane Huang. Though it was already a surprise for her that Diane Huang was actually an approachable person. 

"So, I was literally laughing hard when I heard about the gossip this morning about that fool cheating on you." Chuckling back, Diane Huang covered her lips by the back of her hand as she recalled how silly the news was. 

"Seriously, people needs to have a life for spreading something like that." Diane Huang added as she shook her head. 

"I also heard it Sister Diane, and to be honest, I almost believe it!"

"I'm not really close with Mr. Lu but since sister Diane said so, I trust her words."

"Miss Wang, you heard it too, right?" Aubrey Ning chimed in, indirectly informing the ladies about Laurel Wang's presence. 

As soon as they heard Aubrey Ning's remarks, a slight surprise flashed across their face. By the looks of it, they didn't notice that Laurel Wang was one of the ladies around the table. 

Given that these ladies were used to have most of the attention to their selves, they lack the habit of being attentive to others.

Lexi faintly chuckled as her gaze scrutinized Diane Huang's side profile and then moved to Aubrey Ning, who winked at her. If not because of Evelyn Lu or Ethan Lu, she knew these ladies wouldn't even bat an eye on her. 

These ladies... if Laurel Wang's group were full of hypocrites, this group were meanies. Lexi glanced at Laurel Wang's ever gentle smile that didn't reach her eyes. She could tell that Laurel Wang was utterly insulted. 

Now, Lexi lost her interest to annoy Laurel Wang. 

"Miss Wang, I'm sorry for my lack of observation to my surroundings — oh my, I feel embarrassed." Sounding sorry, Diane Huang shook her head sideways. "But, I must say though, this table surely is interesting." Yet, the glint of amusement that flashed across Diane Huang's eyes contradicted her apologetic voice. 

"I'm sure Miss Wang was just as surprised as us when she heard about the news! After all, she's the involved third party!" Still at it, Aubrey Ning feigned innocence as she indirectly forced Laurel Wang to tell her piece. 

With that said note, all eyes were on Laurel Wang. Their eyes all bore intention to seek for an answer. Whether or not it was a satisfying one, these ladies would surely find a hole to pick on her. 

"Obviously, I am." After some time, Laurel Wang's stiffed shoulders relaxed. "Heh, like what you said, some people are just bored and needed a life. It just so happened that I got targeted." Calm and composed, Laurel Wang replied as her gaze slowly scanned their faces. 

"I haven't apologized to Miss Yang for the inconvenience. I'm sure it must be hard on her after hearing such 'baseless' rumor." As Laurel Wang continued, her gaze paused on Lexi's indifferent gaze and emphasized the word baseless. 

"I hope you won't believe them and trust Mr. Lu's love for you." Laurel Wang added calmly as a gentler smile formed on the side of her lips. 

"Thank you, Miss Wang." Returning the smile, Lexi stretched her lips a little up. "Of course, I won't believe them because I know my man more than anyone." Lexi's gaze didn't dare look away from those covetous pair of eyes. 

"A businessman like him... Ethan only wants and needs the best, so he'll never settle for less." After stating such a remark, Lexi happily took another sip from her warm tea. 

"You—!" Irked, Stella Du ground her teeth as her patience snapped. Fortunately, Laurel Wang stopped her by pressing on her hand. 

Meanwhile, Aubrey Ning's eyes flashed a glint of pride upon Lexi's remarks. That's her girl — direct and bold. Just then, Aubrey Ning noticed a figure from the entrance which made her glanced over it. 

'Right... he's also here.' Aubrey Ning whispered internally as the corner of her lips curled into a smirk. 

"That's right. The best only wants the best!" Happy at Lexi's response, Diane Huang clasped her hands together in excitement. Surely, the stories she heard from Evelyn Lu and Ethan Lu were true; Lexi was interesting!

"Anyway, you girls should come to my party on the 31st! It will be fun!" As if reminded about something, Diane Huang invited everyone, including Laurel Wang and Stella Du to her party. "I would love to see you girls there — it's an important day for me." Scanning everyone around the table, Diane Huang paused her gaze at Laurel Wang with a smile.

"Miss Huang, are you inviting my wife without my knowledge?" Just then, Ethan Lu's voice assailed everyone's ears, which made them unconsciously turned their eyes on his dashing figure as he approached their table — particularly behind Lexi's chair. 

"Oh my, did you just claim sister Lexi as your wife, Mr. Lu?" Surprised at Ethan Lu's appearance, Diane Huang's eyes widened before she immediately recovered. 

"I only want the best... and I claim the best." Stopping behind Lexi, Ethan Lu leaned down as a naughty smirk plastered across his lips. 

Just the slightest sight of his playful, dominant visage, the women would be lying if they denied that he was attractive. Women like these types of alpha males and considering Ethan Lu's status, reputation, and looks — he's more than the best. 

"Hey Love, they weren't harassing you, are they?" Humoring them further, Ethan Lu turned to look at Lexi's side profile. He was too close that when Lexi turned to him, they almost kissed. 

"No, but I heard lots of things from Sister Diane." Fluttering her lashes beautifully, Lexi smiled from ear to ear as she poked the tip of his nose. 

"What? Don't believe whatever they say — especially Miss Huang and Miss Ning, they're all slander." Pouting like a boy, Ethan Lu whispered and yet, they all heard his remarks, causing a batch of a humorous chuckle from the ladies. 

The only person who wasn't pleased by how closed Ethan Lu and Lexi were, or how sweet they appear was Laurel Wang. For Pete's sake! She was being harassed by these ladies and all he cared about was Lexi's well-being. 

Just this delusional thoughts, Laurel Wang's composure cracked as Dylan Lu's evil laughs and judgy eyes flashed across her eyes. 

'No, he's mine. You are only mine, Ethan.' As if something within her snapped, her thoughts chanted these words inside her mind repeatedly.