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."

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

it was somewhat less challenging for them to

kind of compliment

Beverley and Millie, they were oblivious

looks, their faces smiling but their

all saw the derision in each other's

looks like it's from a Celine collection three years ago, right? Totally out of style. Where did she even

for this occasion? It's both plain

goes to show, like mother-in-law, like

they were

Sherwood family's son getting a

bring her out in the open, calling her a

but a feeble attempt at saving

they chose not to call her out, preferring to see how Beverley would play it out. After all, this was prime gossip material, too good

anticipation of a spectacle, Beverley mistakenly thought everyone was

this world of glitz for

quite

said, making her way to Silver's side and taking a seat without waiting for an invitation. "You're here

about the discord within

my enemy is my friend,'

suits