Chapter 183
After applying a touch of light makeup, Rebekah headed out. She arrived at The Apex Lounge at the agreed-upon time. As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she saw a crowd of people huddled around a booth, chattering excitedly.
Victor, who had just ordered drinks from a server, spotted her. He looked her up and down with a hint of mockery in his eyes but still managed a smile as he approached.
“Rebekah! You finally made it! We were all waiting for you!” he boomed, his voice loud enough to draw everyone’s attention.
The crowd parted, and Rebekah saw who was sitting in the booth.
Candice Fletcher.
Rebekah frowned. What was Candice doing here? They hadn’t gone to the same school. How did her high school classmates know Candice?
Rebekah followed Victor toward the booth. Candice stood up, her blue, diamond- studded dress shimmering like the scales of a mermaid emerging from the water.
“Sister, you’re here,” she said, her voice sickeningly sweet, laced with a familiar note of triumph. Of course. Candice had always been dedicated to stealing everything that was hers: her parents, her brother, her husband, and now, apparently, even her high school friends.
“Sister, what on earth are you wearing? Even if you are getting a divorce, you’re still a Fletcher. Can’t you afford a single decent outfit?” Candice said, her eyes scanning Rebekah’s clothes with disdain.
The people around them looked from Rebekah to Candice, and their gazes, too, filled with contempt.
“What do you mean, a Fletcher? Her identity was exposed the year Candice was found. What right does a fake heiress have to dress well p>
“Exactly. A fake is a fake. You can’t change that p>
Rebekah knew this reunion wouldn’t be easy, but she hadn’t expected Candice to be involved. She ignored the murmurs around her and focused on her sister. “You didn’t go to our high school, did you p>
Before Candice could answer, Victor jumped in. “She may not have gone to our school, but she’s good friends with all of us! You, on the other hand, changed your number right after graduation. We tried to get in touch for reunions every year, but we couldn’t reach you p>
He gestured toward Candice. “Luckily, Candice was here. She told us you were busy and came in your place She’s been maintaining these friendships for you for years so don’t you go picking a fight with her p>
So that was it After what had happened with Yvonne, Rebekah had lost at her friends in her senior year. Changing her number after graduation had been a way to start fresh. She never imagined Candice would have the patience to feign friendship with these people for so long.
Rebekah said nothing. Candice simply took her arm. “Sister, this is the first
reunion you’ve been to in years,” she announced to the crowd. “Tonight, let’s party all night p>
“Party all night p>
“Party all night p>
The group, as if on cue, cheered and moved toward a long table. Candice’s grip
on Rebekah’s arm tightened, her sharp nails digging into her flesh. Rebekah tried to pull away but couldn’t break free.
Candice leaned in close, her voice a cold whisper in Rebekah’s ear. “I have a special gift for you tonight, sister. I hope you enjoy it p>