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Before I could speak, Lauren laughed." Emma, see how thoughtful the boss is? He pre-ordered to avoid waste."
The boss puffed his chest."I'm a regular here—dishes are affordable and tasty!"
Affordable?
My lips twitched as lobster and king crab were placed on the table. Just those dishes alone must have cost thousands of dollars.
Without even glancing at me, Lauren flagged down a server.
"Bring some top-shelf wine. It's the gala—let's celebrate!"
She added," The pricier, the better. Money's no object!"
Her swagger made it seem like she was paying.
Though it was my money, I didn't stop her.
After ordering, she glanced at me, chuckling awkwardly."Emma, you're so generous—you don't mind, right?"
I gave a knowing smile." Of course not. Thanks for being so considerate, my dear best friend!"
She missed my sarcasm." It's what I do."
I added," Is this enough food? Order more, everyone—don't hold back!"
Seeing my generosity, the boss and Lauren exchanged stunned looks.
"Plenty, plenty."
"Emma, since when are you this lavish?"
I smiled." It's company money, right? Treating's only fair."
The server brought the wine.
I had them pour full glasses for Lauren and the boss.
I filled my cup with juice.
Standing, I said," Colleagues, let's toast my best friend and the boss for giving me this opportunity to treat you all!"
Lauren eyed my juice, annoyed." Emma, you poured wine for me and the boss but juice for yourself? You disrespecting the boss?"
I glared." I'm hosting. Since when do you call the shots?"
She shut up, pouting. The boss signaled her." Emma's right. Juice to start's fine."
I dodged their first trap, but soon, Lauren and the boss rallied colleagues to pour me drinks.
Once I was tipsy, they dragged me to pay.
“Total:$57,000.”
"That's outrageous!"
I grumbled instinctively.
Lauren smirked."Expensive? You spent a little, but you earned colleagues'gratitude, the boss's favor, and my admiration."
"Three wins in one!"
She" helpfully" pulled out my phone." Emma, pay up."
The boss suddenly remembered." Emma, didn't you say a friend was coming? Where..."
Before he finished, a familiar, elegant figure appeared at the entrance.
I smiled."Here she is."
Seeing her, the boss and Lauren exchanged panicked glances, their fear unmistakable.
