Chapter 57

Ileana’s face went pale, but she forced a tight smile, refusing to let her composure crack.

“What… Cole, what do you mean by that?”

No one answered her. The moment their eyes met, everyone quickly looked away, pretending to be occupied with something else.

“For an event like this, the hosts are supposed to send out invitations at least a week in advance,” Lucy explained quietly, suddenly appearing at Ileana’s side to offer a bit of context. “A verbal invite doesn’t count–if anything, it’s considered disrespectful to the guests.”

As the awkwardness thickened, Stella perked up with a mischievous glint in her eye. To Ileana, it was nothing short of open provocation.

“What’s the matter, are you nervous or just indifferent? Want me to introduce you to an etiquette coach?” Stella teased, her tone breezy and deliberately casual.

Ileana clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms. Still, she managed a strained smile, biting back her anger as she looked at Stella.

joking,” she said, suppressing the tremor in her voice. “My parents have been so busy planning my welcome party that they haven’t had time to worry about the details. They already found someone to help me prepare, but

Well, you’d better get on it. Embarrassing yourself in front of the class is one thing, but making a scene at your own welcome party? Now that would be a real

smile was sweet, but Ileana could only grit

you for your concern, Stella. I’ll be careful not to embarrass my parents

Justin to design your

course,” Ileana replied, her pupils contracting, but she nodded with all the confidence

such a big project and you didn’t even tell

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Chapter 57

myself! Who does he think he is, ordering me around? And calling her the

to stream down her cheeks. She looked like she’d

to let it go, but you keep targeting me and shutting me out. Is

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