Chapter 257
"John, sorry to upset you. When you get back, dinner's on me."
"Charles, we're old friends, no need for that. Plus, I think it's my turn to treat you."
"Oh, I forgot. Just call me, I'll be there!"
Leaving DrySouth Spirits, it was already five in the afternoon. Nathan dropped us off, handing us a bunch of stuff—cigarettes, alcohol, coffee—all worth at least ten grand.
On the way back, Lily kept staring at me, making me uneasy.
"Is there something on my face?" I asked.
"John, when did you meet Mr. Williams from DH Distillery? You two seem close!"
I knew she'd ask. "Ms. Smith had me handle DH Distillery's advertising. I asked Mr. Jefferson from Winest Company for help, and that's how we met."
"Doesn't seem like just an acquaintance. He really values you," Lily said.
I shrugged. "Maybe he just likes me!"
"Really?" Lily asked.
"Yep," I said.
"Are you hiding something?" Lily asked.
Women's intuition is sharp.
"I'm not hiding anything. We're together every day, you know that," I said.
"Fair enough!" Lily said.
She looked away. "Skip the office, let's go straight to Crystal Cove Club!"
"A date?" I asked.
"No, my best friend wants to meet you!" Lily said.
At seven in the evening, we arrived at the Crystal Cove Club.
I didn't expect Eloise to want to see me.
"John, this is Eloise, my childhood best friend."
After sitting down, Lily introduced us. "Eloise, this is John."
I'd seen Eloise's photos and watched her solo performances, but meeting her in person was a first.
She was even more beautiful in person, like a Simbara Barbie doll in a simple white dress, giving off a princess vibe.
"Nice to meet you," I said, extending my hand. Eloise just smiled without shaking it, making things awkward.
The room got tense. I frowned, and Lily quickly said, "Eloise, we agreed not to bring this up."
Eloise said, "You're too good for him."
She looked at me with disdain, which was annoying.
"Eloise!" Lily's voice rose.
"Alright, I was just joking." Eloise smiled at me. "Can't you take a joke?"
Playing these games? I felt uncomfortable. Just because she's a girl, does she get to mess with someone's dignity?
"Sorry, I'm petty. I don't forgive you."
I poured myself a cup of coffee and drank it, ignoring her.
Eloise's smile froze, and Lily held my hand. "John, Eloise didn't mean it."
I smiled. "I was joking too."
Lily sighed in relief, and Eloise muttered, "So petty!"
I heard her clearly. "You can joke, but I can't?"
I had no idea why she was so hostile.
But if I didn't push back now, it would be tough later.
"What do you mean?" Eloise said to Lily, "He's really uncouth. You shouldn't like him."
Lily, caught in the middle, looked embarrassed. "John, apologize to Eloise!"
I frowned, thinking this would upset Lily. Not worth it for someone I don't even know.
Fine, let her had this. I would deal with it later.
"Sorry, Eloise, I was rude. Please don't misunderstand."
I thought that would end it, but she kept going. "Lily, I don't think you two are a good match. Don't take it seriously."
"Eloise!" Lily's face changed, and she quickly covered Eloise's mouth. "John, she's just joking, don't mind her."
I stayed silent, feeling pretty annoyed. "Eloise likes to joke, I get it."
"Yes, just joking."
Lily glared at her, let go, and called the waiter to order.
Even though I was annoyed, the steak was great. I focused on my meal, ignoring her opinion of me.
"I think he's really rude," Eloise said.
"You’re well-educated, but still speaking crudely?" I shot back.
I wasn't letting this slide.
She continued, "Your family must be ordinary. Do you know how wealthy Lily's family is? Ever heard of 'social status mismatch'?"
I asked, "What's wrong with coming from an ordinary family? Can't we pursue happiness?"
Eloise said, "Of course, but I think you're wasting your time."
"Eloise, I'm really getting angry!" Lily couldn't stand it anymore.
"Lily, do you think your father will approve of him?" Eloise said. "I'm just trying to stop you from making a mistake. Can he afford you?"
A hint of panic flashed in Lily's eyes. "It's my business, my dad will respect my decision."
Eloise said, "Then why not tell your father? Why sneak around?"
"I'm not sneaking around!" Lily said. "It's just not the right time yet."
Eloise said, "You just want to experience love. Why bother with him when there are better options?"
"I... I..." Lily was at a loss for words.
"Have you said enough?" I swallowed the last bite of steak, wiped my mouth, and said, "Even as Lily's best friend, you're overstepping. A true friend wouldn't meddle in her choices."
Eloise said, "I just don't want to see her get hurt!"
"How do you know she will get hurt?" I asked. "Can you decide for her? Saying it's for her own good, where's the good in that? Do you know how much harm you cause with careless words?"
"Better a brief pain than a prolonged one. You don't know anything." She clenched her fists. "Lily being with you will lead to nothing. Reality isn't a fairy tale!"
I said, "It’s not up to you to decide the outcome; it’s her choice. Maybe you were born into wealth, but that doesn’t give you the right to look down on others. Just because your family has money? Just because you’re pretty? Just because you were called the Piano Princess? Without your father’s help, you wouldn’t have such a good life."
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