Chapter 246

Gabrielle's jaw dropped as she glared at Evelyn with undisguised disdain. "So it's you, Evelyn! Is this because you'll be hosting everyone next month for three days? Trying to make up for yesterday?"

Evelyn gave a slight nod. "Exactly. My treat."

Gabrielle let out a mocking laugh. "That makes zero sense. Why would I pay for your so-called 'treat'? That's ridiculous."

Evelyn remained unshaken, her expression calm.

"Miss Gabrielle, did you forget your promise? Yesterday you swore that if I proved I didn't plant that earring in your shoe, you'd cover everyone's expenses for the day. Having second thoughts now? Not keeping your word?"

Gabrielle froze.

She'd completely forgotten about that!

When she'd made the promise, she'd estimated their group's spending wouldn't exceed a thousand dollars at most.

Suddenly the bill had skyrocketed to eighteen hundred!

That wasn't pocket change for anyone - she could buy a designer handbag with that money!

"Evelyn, I promised to cover yesterday's expenses. But you booked next month's event separately. Those three days shouldn't be lumped into yesterday's bill!"

Evelyn didn't respond directly. Instead, she turned to the staff. "Excuse me, does yesterday's order count toward yesterday's expenses? Any issues with that?"

The staff member bowed respectfully. "Correct. Your booking from yesterday, along with the receipt and charges, were all recorded under yesterday's account. Settling them together now is perfectly reasonable."

Gabrielle's face darkened at the explanation but she stayed silent.

Evelyn smiled faintly. "I wanted to treat everyone properly yesterday, but thanks to Miss Gabrielle's little stunt, we couldn't enjoy ourselves at all."

"Since I didn't get to host properly, I booked three days next month to make it up to everyone. If Gabrielle won't pay, I'll cover it myself."

She pulled out her phone - actually Nathaniel's - ready to pay from his account.

No way was she spending her own money on these people. Using her husband's funds for his friends was only fair.

Gabrielle stiffened, then forced a smile. "Oh, you misunderstood! Of course I'll pay this trifling amount. You're right - I ruined everyone's fun yesterday. It's only fair I make it up next month!"

"Amelia should be back by then too! We haven't seen each other in ages - perfect timing for a reunion! Let me handle the bill now!"

She deliberately mentioned Amelia's return, hoping to unsettle Evelyn.

But Evelyn just smiled carefreely. "Great. We'll let Miss Gabrielle take care of it then."

Gabrielle retrieved her wallet and handed a card to the staff. "No PIN needed."

The staff bowed and left to process payment.

Gabrielle turned back with a saccharine smile. "Honestly, it's not that expensive, Evelyn. Just a few thousand - pocket change for people like us. You're probably not used to this level of spending, are you? That's why it seems wasteful to you."

Her polite words carried a clear message: Evelyn was the odd one out, the poor outsider.