Book TRK
Chapter 329
Heather seemed oblivious to the sharp look Mirabella was giving her. After a beat, she realized she might have stepped on a landmine. “Ah, shoot, I’m sorry. I don’t know how I got onto that subject.”
Swiftly changing tack, Heather turned to Michelle sitting beside her. “Michelle, which high school did you go to before?” Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.
Michelle lifted her head. Her makeup was perfectly applied. “Oh, it was Parkside High School.”
“Parkside High School, top five in the nation, eh? You’re quite the achiever, girl,” Hans interjected with a chuckle, smoothly steering away from the uncomfortable topic Heather had inadvertently brought up.
Michelle offered a modest smile. Her lips were barely parting. “It was nothing, I suppose. That’s all behind me now.”
After a brief pause, Michelle turned her attention to Mirabella. “Which high school are you attending? If it’s Parkside as well, we might have crossed paths. I was on the student council.” Her comment carried a hint of a boast. Being on the student council at Parkside High School was a badge of honor, a sign that teachers had recognized you as one of the best and
brightest.
Before Mirabella could respond, Leo spoke up in her defense. “Then I’m sure you two have never met.”
Michelle raised an eyebrow. “Oh? So, Mirabella didn’t attend Parkside?!
Leo sat up a little straighter. His pride was almost tangible. “No, what I mean is, my sister never bothered with such trivial clubs.”
Michelle’s face stiffened momentarily.
Leo continued, undeterred, “Though she’s often in the mix when it comes to competitions.” Competitions were the realm of the truly capable students.
[Pfft, Michelle’s turning green with envy.]
[Haha, Leo is so proud of his sister. She doesn’t care for student councils, just acing competitions.]
(So is she a Parkside High School student after all?]
[Anyone from Parkside High School? Recognize your top dog?]
[I’m from Parkside, but… doesn’t ring a bell.]
[Probably just a narrative setup, boring.]
[No way, our girl gotta be a champion.]
The chat quickly moved on, and the previous comments were lost in a sea of new messages.
After her small defeat, Michelle withdrew to her phone, disengaging from the conversation.
That was when the host came in, carrying two nondescript but stylish paper bags, placing them on the table.
Hans eyed the bags curiously. “Feels like it could be a gourmet meal from a five–star hotel.”
Gabriel, who rarely chimed in, added, “Too bad it’s not for us.
Hans shot him a look. “Ouch, bro. That hits where it hurts.”
In full view of everyone, the host slowly pulled out two drinks, a pair of burgers, a side of fries. and an assorted snack platter from the bags.
Pushing the food towards Mirabella and Leo, the host announced with deadpan seriousness, “Five–star dining is out of the question, but a KFC Deluxe lunch spread – that, our show can afford.”
Everyone was flabbergasted.
[Pfft, this is the deluxe lunch?]
[I was ready with forks and knives, and you give me this??]
[I can’t help but laugh.]
[Mr. Director, how much did KFC slip into your pocket?]
[My girl’s intuition is spot on!]