Chapter 83 Deception
Seraphina clung to Ophelia, deliberately sobbing with great sorrow, "Ophelia, I'm sorry, I never wanted to be the bad guy, but I just can't take it anymore. You're my best friend. Can you please not be with Finnegan?"
The phrase "best friend" was like a massive shackle, capable of firmly binding Ophelia.
"Alright, I promise, I promise," Ophelia affirmed, her eyes also brimming with tears, feeling quite guilty for putting Seraphina through so much.
To reassure Seraphina, Ophelia mustered a smile and said, "There are so many men in this world, Finnegan isn't the only one. No one's more important than you. The bond we share, growing up together, cannot be compared with anyone else."
Seraphina was a few months younger than Ophelia, who always doted on her like an older sister.
She treated Seraphina like a younger sibling, and for over twenty years, the two had relied on each other in this city. Naturally, she would choose Seraphina.
"Ophelia, you're so kind," Seraphina sniffled and wiped away her tears, saying these words, but her heart was not in them.
Once a friendship is cracked, it can never be fully restored.
In Seraphina's view, Ophelia's show of generosity was just an act, nothing more.
Seraphina had never forgotten the humiliations Ophelia had caused her.
Nevertheless, Seraphina had changed. She had learned hypocrisy.
To be precise, this was her true face.
"Ophelia, we haven't had a meal together in ages. Let's go out to eat. I'll introduce you to a good friend," Seraphina offered with great enthusiasm.
Reconciling their relationship warranted a celebratory meal.
Without giving it much thought, Ophelia followed Seraphina out.
Entering a well-appointed restaurant, Seraphina led Ophelia to a private booth.
Ophelia expected to meet just one friend, but to her surprise, they were greeted by a lively group of young men and women.
"Seraphina, you finally made it," a bubbly woman with short hair exclaimed as she stood up to welcome them warmly. "And this must be your friend?"
Her gaze lingered on Ophelia, sizing her up.
Seraphina introduced her, "This is my best friend, Ophelia. Ophelia, meet Giselle. We're currently business partners. And these are our associates, we're all in this together."
This was the first time Ophelia had heard Seraphina mention the business, and given Giselle's sharp look, she had her doubts about its legitimacy.
What kind of business needed so many investors?
Not wanting to ask too many questions in front of everyone, Ophelia decided to sit back and watch.
Giselle Byrd greeted her, "Ophelia, what a knockout. Come, sit and eat with us, don't be shy. You're a friend of Seraphina, which makes you our friend too."
Ophelia smiled and replied, "Sure."
She took a seat next to Seraphina, who began discussing the business details with Giselle.
Throughout the dinner, Ophelia pieced together that they were all invested in a cosmetics venture.
Cosmetics were a lucrative market, and Seraphina had stockpiled a significant amount of products, investing a considerable sum.
However, as Ophelia saw it, this wasn't a business venture—it was clearly a trap.
She couldn't let Seraphina continue to mix with these people. Finding an excuse, Ophelia took the lead and they both made an early exit.
Stepping out of the restaurant, Ophelia quickly urged Seraphina, "Seraphina, how much money did you pour into this? Pull out now, that crowd is bad news. And that Giselle, she's got 'shrewd' written all over her face. Watch out, she might be trying to con you."
"How can you say that, Ophelia?" retorted Seraphina, quite defensively, "Rest easy, Giselle won’t do that. She's seriously helping me make money. Just last month she cut me in on the profits – I made a killing, way better than any day job."
Suddenly, Ophelia realized something. "Where'd you get the capital to invest?"
Seraphina, not daring to admit she had skimmed the money from Finnegan, claimed, "Borrowed from a friend. I'm going to make it big, trust me. In fact, Giselle was just saying we should get you on board too. There’s enough money to go around."
"There's no such thing as a free lunch..." Ophelia tried to warn her further.
Seraphina bristled, "Ophelia, do you really think I can’t do anything right? Why can't you just trust me for once?"
Ophelia wanted to point out that Seraphina had been duped before, many times. But seeing Seraphina's displeasure, she held her tongue.
Soon after, Seraphina got a call from Giselle. Ignoring Ophelia’s advice, she was off again to the next gathering with that group.
It was late when Ophelia hailed a cab home. Standing at her front door, she remembered that Finnegan had taken her keys that morning.
As Ophelia was about to call the property manager to unlock her door, it swung open from the inside.
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