Chapter 579
Chapter 579:
Nicole’s frown deepened as she turned to face the speaker—it was Hildegarde Mendoza, almost unrecognizable.
Who would have guessed that Hildegarde, once so plain, would turn out so striking?
Indeed, it seemed clothes did make the man—or the woman, in this case.
Hildegarde took out her phone and waved it around. “Check this out, everyone! I just saw Yelena delivering food in a uniform. Now that she’s changed, she thinks she’s someone special p>
The classmates crowded around, and indeed, there was a photo of Yelena in a delivery uniform.
Hildegarde set her phone down and looked at Yelena with a smirk. “Looks like life in Eighfast hasn’t been too kind to you p>
Yelena met the other woman’s gaze with indifference. “That’s none of your concern p>
“Yelena, you’re still as irritating as ever. It’s quite off-putting,” someone commented.
“Right, she was unbearable even back then. Only Nicole, the fool, would stick by her,” another added.
“Hey! We’re just supposed to be catching up. Why the attacks?” Nicole muttered, her voice low and tense, though she tried not to let her emotions show too clearly.
Yelena responded with icy resolve, “So what if I’m a delivery worker? I earn my keep through hard work and sweat. There’s nothing shameful in that. Unlike some, I don’t need to depend on others; I’m self-reliant p>
Nicole looked at Yelena with appreciation. She knew Yelena had spoken those words to defend her.
“If we’re not welcome here, we might as well leave,” Nicole said, frustration evident in her tone. “I thought this reunion would be joyful, but it’s just disgusting how some people act. It’s completely put me off p>
Yelena gave Nicole a knowing glance, her expression subtle but her message clear—”Look at you, standing up for yourself now p>
Find the latest releases gⱯlnσv𝓮𝓁s․com
Nicole offered a sheepish smile in return. They said desperate times called for desperate measures; she was simply reacting to the hostility.
As they made to leave, the others showed their displeasure. Nicole had called them out, and letting her just walk away would be like conceding to her words.
“Wait a minute,” Hildegarde chimed in, attempting to lighten the mood. “It’s been ages since we’ve all been together. Can’t we just talk a bit more p>
Nicole felt a twinge of regret for deciding to come and even bring Yelena into this mess. She exchanged an apologetic look with Yelena.
Yelena just smiled reassuringly at her.
Nicole felt a wave of calm wash over her under Yelena’s steady gaze.
Just then, the door swung open and someone entered.
“Sorry, everyone, I’m late,” Steven said.
From his appearance, it was clear he’d been living comfortably. He had put on considerable weight, his belly now rounder and more prominent than ever.
“Darling, you’re finally here!” Hildegarde greeted him with a fawning smile. Steven’s eyes quickly moved from Hildegarde and fixed on Yelena, a spark of unspoken attraction in his gaze.
Who would have imagined that among these ordinary old classmates, there would be such a striking presence?
“Indeed, people do change over the years,” he thought.
“Who’s this one? I don’t think I’ve seen her before,” Steven asked, his gaze lingering on Yelena with clear flirtation.
Hildegarde, well aware of Steven’s tendencies, quickly moved to intercept. If she wasn’t vigilant, he would behave recklessly. Now that he was showing interest in Yelena, Hildegarde found it completely unacceptable.