Chapter 33 The Class Reunion
Within the private dining room 108 of Jade Lake Boutique Hotel, Natalie's phone was snatched away by a stunning and glamorous young lady. With her wavy, long hair, radiant complexion, and stylish attire, she exuded the charm of those online influencers on live platforms. Alluring yet maintaining a hint of innocence, there was always a hint of malevolence in her gaze as she looked at Natalie.
"Natalie, you never cease to amaze me. We are about to graduate soon, and once we do, we'll be scattered far and wide. It's going to be rare for us classmates to gather like this, so why are you always on the phone? It really dampens the mood! How about we, the two of us, have another drink together," the girl exclaimed.
Her name was Amelia, known throughout the school for her beauty.
However, compared to Natalie, who was both academically gifted and possessed an innate, pure beauty, Amelia's cosmetically enhanced charms seemed far more worldly.
It was no surprise, then, that Natalie was unanimously referred to by all the male students as the school's 'belle.'
Amelia, however, with her strong vanity, had always been in Natalie's shadow, even pining after a male idol who harbored a secret affection for Natalie. This bred intense jealousy and resentment within Amelia.
On the surface, Amelia and Natalie seemed like good friends, with Amelia showing various signs of care towards Natalie. However, behind closed doors, she harbored jealousy towards Natalie, constantly aiming to lead her astray, sabotage her academic performance, and make her crush lose interest in her.
"Natalie, don't be shy, please. Here, I'll personally drink to you; you could at least do me the honor of accepting, couldn't you?" said a handsome, tall, and lean boy as he walked over with a glass of red wine. He shared a covert glance with Amelia before gracefully offering Natalie her glass with an authoritative tone. "For my sake, Natalie, drink up, and then my chauffeur will take you home."
This boy was Garrett, a wealthy student in Natalie’s class, infamous for his lack of academic diligence. In the school’s social circles, he was known as 'Boss.'
Garrett organized and financed the get-together entirely.
Countless female students were smitten with Garrett, yet he had his heart set on the relentless pursuit of Natalie. Despite her repeated rejections and even warnings from school teachers, Garrett remained unyielding.
As the college entrance examination loomed, Garrett knew that his chances of winning over a top student like Natalie after graduation were slim. So, he engineered this gathering, bribing several of Natalie’s friends to get Natalie drunk, hoping to accomplish his conquest after she had passed out.
Several of the girls at the event were aware of Garrett’s intentions. Natalie was innocent and unaware and had become the unwitting prey.
"Natalie, with your academic prowess, you're destined for a bright future. Maybe we can only get into ordinary colleges. Promise us, even if you go off to Harvard or Cambridge, you won’t look down on us!"
Another girl, who sported a ponytail and a slightly plump figure with a smattering of acne on her face, looked at Natalie enviously as she joined in urging her to drink.
The girl, named Grace, was the class monitor who excelled academically, second only to Natalie. Despite appearing less diligent, Natalie consistently outperformed Grace academically, which triggered a mix of admiration and envy in Grace's heart towards her. Over time, this admiration gradually transformed into resentment towards Natalie. Even though their relationship seemed cordial on the surface, with Natalie often helping Grace in her studies, when faced with Garrett's request, Natalie still acquiesced.
A woman consumed by jealousy could display the darkest of emotions, more venal even than the most venomous of snakes. Grace's current wish was for Natalie to falter, hoping that Natalie’s academic performance would plummet due to emotional distractions, allowing Grace to overtake her in the college entrance exam and be acclaimed as the top student.
“I can't drink anymore. My head is spinning. Return my phone to me,” Natalie implored with a hint of agitation, searching for her mobile device.
Garrett, Amelia, and Grace exchanged triumphant smirks before reaching out to clasp Natalie's arm with feigned concern. "Natalie, you seem to be quite drunk; you won’t make it home on your own. Let me take you back."
"No. I can get back by myself!"
Natalie shook off Garrett's hand, furrowing her brow in annoyance as she demanded forcefully, "Return my phone! Amelia, what are you doing? Give me back my phone!"
"Natalie, you’re intoxicated. Let Garrett and me take you home."
Amelia and Garrett exchanged a glance of complicity before simultaneously grabbing Natalie by the arms, pulling the now inebriated young woman toward the restaurant's exit.
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