Chapter 24
Solana sneezed twice in the elevator. ‘Those three must be trash–talking me. But I don’t care,‘ she thought.
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Though her family was poor now, she felt freer than ever–no more fake smiles for family honor, no more stressing over dinner party outfits. She had Kathryn and Charles’s simple, genuine love–priceless.
All Solana wanted now was to earn enough for a microwave before school began. Averie, drowning in lies and pretense, could never grasp such simple joy.
‘That’s right! Every day, I’ll fight to be a happy person!‘ Solana cheered herself on mentally.
As she reached the restaurant entrance, her phone rang. Seeing “Dad” on the screen, she cleared her throat. “Hi, Dad!”
Charles’s gentle voice asked, “What are you up to, sweetheart?”
“Uh… shopping with friends,” Solana lied.
As soon as she finished speaking, an arm snaked around her waist. “Which friend?” Mateo smirked.
Solana startled Mateo’s face, quickly shrugging off his hand. “Sorry, Dad, something came up!” She hung up.
“Must be my unlucky day–first Averie, now this jerk?” she mused.
A waiter approached. “Dining in, sir? Right this way. I’ll bring the menu.”
“No need. I want her.” Before Solana could react, Mateo dragged Solana into a private dining room.
Mateo lounged in his chair, eyeing her coldly. “A fallen princess working here? Pathetic. Beg me, and I might support you out of old times‘ sake.”
Solana tilted her head. “Support me, or keep me?”
Mateo raised a brow. “Any difference?”
She smiled. “Like gemstones: tiny difference, massive price tag.”
“Interesting.” Mateo leaned forward. “Why didn’t I notice your edge before?”
Mateo couldn’t understand it. The dull, timid Solana Webb he’d disliked was nothing like the composed woman before him.
The more he hated Solana Webb, the more intrigued he was by Solana Spencer. He stood, closing the distance.
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Freed from the need to please or fear him, Solana held her ground. She raised her chin, meeting his gaze with a demeanor as cool as ice, untouchable.
Mateo felt a flicker of attraction. “How would you want me to ‘support‘ you?”
Just then, the door burst open. Vivian, who had entered first, initially thought she’d mistaken the room.
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Chapter 24
After apologizing and closing the door, she froze–‘wait, the faces inside looked familiar.‘
The door swung open again.
“Are you kidding, Mateo? Why is she here? Did you invite her?” Vivian snapped.
Averie forced a smile. “Chill out, Vivian. Mateo and Solana grew up together–it’s just lunch.”
Vivian seethed. “Just lunch? She doesn’t belong here! Just looking at her ruins my appetite!”
As soon as she finished speaking, Sophia suddenly laughed.
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Averie and Vivian turned. Sophia pointed at Solana’s uniform. “No wonder her outfit looked off–she’s a waitress! How fitting. Sit down, my ladies.”
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She pulled them to the table, deliberately seating Averie beside Mateo–their families were pushing their match. Everyone knew it.
Vivian rapped the table. “Where’s the menu, waitress?” She emphasized the word deliberately.
Averie smirked. ‘So this is her place now–serving me.‘
“Right away.” Solana left calmly to fetch the menu.
As she returned, she heard Averie ask sweetly, “What were you two discussing earlier, Mateo?”
Solana dropped menus on the table. “Mateo asked if I’d let him ‘support‘ me.”
Hearing this, Averie’s face paled.
Vivian slammed the table. “You shameless bitch! How dare you say that?”
Solana smiled. “If Mateo dares ask, why can’t I answer?”
Sophia turned to Mateo. “Say something.”
Mateo said nothing, eyes locked on Solana–bold, unflinching, utterly changed. ‘The timid Solana Webb is really gone,‘ he thought.
Averie interrupted, “Sophia, drop it. Mateo just pitied her. “She looked at Solana and said, “Why don’t you join us? My treat.”
Solana inwardly scoffed. “Restaurant rules: staff can’t dine during shifts. Please order.”
“Solana, come out!” the manager called.
Outside, the manager whispered, “You okay? Trouble with your… friends?”
Solana shook her head. “Just acquaintances. Thanks.”
He checked his watch. “Your shift’s almost over. Try to avoid drama.”
“Got it.” She needed this job–upsetting these guys might shut down the restaurant.
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After using the restroom, Solana found Averie waiting.
“Stay away from Mateo,” Averie warned.
Solana dried her hands, smirking. “Finally dropped the act? Must feel good.”
Averie sneered. “You think he’ll fall for you? Dream on.”
‘All she cares about is Mateo.‘ Solana thought. ‘Typical infatuation with a playboy. And playboys like Mateo don’t have sincere feelings.‘
But of course, she wouldn’t warn Averie. Aloud, she said, “I’m not ‘dreaming.‘ I don’t care about your circus.”
She turned to leave. “You should see yourself–it’s hilarious.”
