Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Nola had long grown accustomed to the way people talked in these gatherings, never taking comments personally. With a smile that could disarm even the most cynical, she said, "Being idle at home all day, might as well kill some time with a little party. With the whole tea

culture craze going on, I thought why not have a tea-themed gathering?"

"Dear Silver, you rarely join these kinds of get-togethers. Your presence today is quite the honor. Please, come inside—"

Nola's words were as sweet as honey, her sincerity making it hard even for Silver, who usually didn't see eye to eye with her, to find fault.

Shortly after, Beverley arrived with Millie in tow.

A new face always sparked curiosity among the ladies-

"Beverley, who's this?"

"Where did this young lady come from? She looks so fresh-faced!"

Beverley, having prepared her introduction in advance, cheerfully said, "This is a friend's daughter, Millie. She's studying at Grandstone Institute."

Millie promptly greeted everyone with a warm smile.

"Ah, still a student? No wonder she looks so young and radiant."

"Indeed, and a student at Grandstone Institute, no less. It's not easy for girls to get into Grandstone these days, you know."

the Grandstone Institute, known for its science and engineering programs, typically attracted more male

fact that fewer girls pursued STEM fields meant it was somewhat less challenging for

kind of compliment

they were oblivious

exchanged knowing looks, their faces

the derision in

it's from a Celine collection three years ago, right? Totally out of style.

this occasion?

to show,

they were fooling

family's son getting a college girl pregnant was

to bring her out in the

a feeble

out. After all, this was prime gossip material, too good not to share! They could

of the audience's anticipation of a spectacle, Beverley

this world of glitz for the first

quite the

Mrs. Reynolds?" Beverley said, making her way to Silver's

about the

thought, 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend,' and attempted to charm

The color suits you so