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She patted my cheek smugly." Emma Riley, you think I see you as a friend? You're just a tool to me."
"You think you're so talented, looking down on me? By mid-year, we'll see who's still here—you or me."
I simply smiled and continued eating and drinking without a word.
We partied till 4 a.m., everyone satisfied, ready to leave.
The server brought a bill over a meter long.
"Who's paying?"
Before Sophia could speak, Lauren stood.
"I've got it!"
Her bold stance earned the server's admiration, like she was some heiress.
Lauren soaked it up." It's just a little money..."
But seeing the total, she froze.
“$150,000…”
Her drunken haze vanished, hands trembling with the bill.
Despite her flashy act, Lauren was from an ordinary family. Even with Sophia's reimbursement, coughing up$150,000 was impossible.
She opened her mouth, likely to refuse, but I started a chant.
“$150,000?Lauren, I'm so jealous! One night, you scored a year's salary for me!"
"Shouldn't Lauren treat us again?"
"Definitely!"
My lead drowned her weak protests.
Her face turned a deep shade of crimson, a mix of embarrassment and anger.
She leaned in."Emma, I can't cover this…Can you lend me $100,000?"
I gave a bitter smile." Lauren, helping you tanked my work. I took a pay cut this year. Lend you what?"
She frowned." Emma, what's that mean? No salary? Use your savings!"
I teased," Speaking of salary, yours must be higher, right?"
She looked confused."What're you saying?"
"You're the mistress, aren't you? He doesn't pay you?"
"Emma Riley!"
She roared, and swung at me in a rage.
I caught her hand easily."Hit a nerve, huh?"
Sophia walked over. Panicked, Lauren wailed," Mrs. Grant, Emma's spreading lies, calling me a mistress…"
Sophia's lips curled in a cold smirk, playing along."Emma, that's not right. Lauren's a stellar employee—how could she be a mistress?"
Before Lauren could gloat, Sophia pivoted."Lauren, pay the bill."
Lauren stammered, trying to find an excuse. Sophia cut her off. "What, do you think I'm trying to cheat you?"
Lauren shook her head."Mrs. Grant, I didn't mean that…My money's with a friend. Let me step out to call."
She dashed out of the room like a criminal on the run. Moments later, the boss's phone started ringing.
