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."

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

that fewer girls pursued STEM fields meant it

kind of

were oblivious to the backhanded

their faces smiling but their eyes

derision

from a Celine collection three years ago, right? Totally out of style. Where did she even find it? So

for this occasion? It's both plain and

goes to show,

they were

getting a

the nerve to bring her out in the open, calling her a

feeble attempt

this was prime gossip material, too good not to

of the audience's anticipation of a spectacle, Beverley mistakenly thought

glitz for the first time, was

quite the

making her way to Silver's

about the

my friend,' and attempted to charm her: "Oh, your silk brocade skirt

color suits