Chapter 326: Chapter 326 What are you planning? Bella nodded quickly, eager to leave, but Alexa’s voice stopped them cold.
"Why don’t we join you?" Alexa said with a sweet, venomous tone. "We’re all friends here, aren’t we?"
Her red lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
Scarlett’s patience snapped. "I don’t remember being friends with snakes," she muttered under her breath, but Alexa only tilted her head innocently, pretending not to hear.
Then, as if to twist the knife, Alexa gestured toward the girl beside her. "Oh, this is my personal maid, Freya."
Freya’s smile faltered, her cheeks flushing a deep pink as she looked down at the floor.
Bella’s brows knitted softly, her heart sinking at the humiliation in the girl’s expression. She stepped forward slightly, her tone warm and gentle. "It’s nice to meet you, Freya," she said kindly, as if she hadn’t heard the word maid at all.
Freya looked up, startled, her green eyes flickering with gratitude. "N-nice to meet you too," she stammered softly.
Alexa’s smile stiffened. Her gaze flicked between them, and something cold twisted in her chest. Of course, she thought bitterly. Two weak, soft-hearted girls—of course they’d get along. She turned to Alan with an overly sweet laugh. "Come on, Alan, let’s all sit together, shall we? It’ll be fun."
But Scarlett crossed her arms, her lips curving in a smirk that didn’t look friendly at all. "Sorry, sweetheart," she said smoothly. "Our fun doesn’t include uninvited guests."
Alexa’s smile vanished completely.
The air between them thickened with tension, and for a long moment, only the slow music and the faint clinking of glasses filled the silence.
Bella, sensing the storm brewing, gave Freya a small, understanding smile before gently tugging Scarlett’s wrist. "Let’s go," she said quietly.
And as they walked away, Alexa’s hand curled tightly around her clutch, her nails digging into the leather as she glared at Bella’s back with eyes full of rage.
"Wait..." Scarlett suddenly stopped, turning back toward Alexa with a smile that was far too sweet to be real. "Actually—you can come."
Alexa’s eyes lit up immediately, her lips curling into a satisfied smirk. "Really?" she asked, almost suspiciously, but still hopeful that she’d somehow won this round.
"Of course," Scarlett said, her voice honey-smooth, her expression bright but her dark eyes glimmered with a spark of pure mischief. "You’re so eager to spend time with us, how could I say no?"
Bella blinked, confused by the sudden change in Scarlett’s tone, but she didn’t say anything. She trusted Scarlett’s instincts... well, mostly. Alan raised a brow, sensing that Scarlett’s sudden politeness probably hid something dangerous. He exchanged a look with Bella, silently mouthing what is she doing? but Bella only shrugged helplessly.
"Come on then," Scarlett said cheerfully, holding the lounge door open. "Let’s have a little fun, shall we?"
Alexa hesitated for a second, doubt flickering in her eyes. There was something off about Scarlett’s tone, but her ego won the argument. She straightened her back, lifted her chin proudly, and stepped inside as if she owned the place. Freya followed quietly, her steps hesitant and small.
The lounge was elegant, bathed in soft golden light and filled with plush furniture. The faint scent of roses and liquor lingered in the air, and a low beat from the next room vibrated faintly through the floor.
Scarlett motioned for everyone to sit. "Our friends will join shortly," she said sweetly, that same dangerous gleam returning to her eyes.
Bella glanced at her suspiciously. "Scarlett..." she whispered softly, tugging on her sleeve. "What are you planning?"
Scarlett only grinned. "You’ll see soon, Bella Bell."
Alan followed them inside, folding his arms as he leaned against the wall, quietly observing the unfolding scene. He could tell from Scarlett’s expression that this night wasn’t going to end quietly.
Alexa, meanwhile, crossed her legs gracefully, still pretending to be unbothered, though unease tugged faintly at her stomach. "So," she said with false sweetness, "what kind of friends are joining?"
Scarlett’s lips curved into a slow, knowing smile. "Oh, you’ll love them," she purred. "They have... very explosive personalities."
Bella blinked. "Scarlett..."
And for the first time that night, Alexa felt a strange, prickling chill crawl down her spine.
However, she soon rolled her eyes, the smugness returning to her face like an old habit. Please, she thought, as if these women could possibly have real connections.
She crossed one leg over the other, flicking a loose strand of hair behind her shoulder with practiced elegance. "You know," she began, her tone dripping with false modesty, "it’s adorable that you two have your little friend group. Really. But my circle is a bit... different."
Bella blinked, unsure if she should respond, while Scarlett only tilted her head with an amused smile, clearly letting Alexa dig her own grave.
"Oh?" Scarlett asked innocently, leaning forward on the couch. "Do tell."
Alexa smiled proudly, thinking she finally had their attention. "Well, I’m friends with Royala—you know, the CEO of that international beauty brand? She’s such a visionary woman. And of course, I often meet other high-class women in the business world—entrepreneurs, models, investors." She gave a soft, fake laugh, her eyes gleaming with pride. "All of them are successful, talented... powerful."
Her words hung in the air like perfume—sweet but suffocating.
Scarlett sipped her drink calmly, pretending to look impressed. "Wow, that sounds... exhausting," she murmured under her breath.
Alexa ignored the jab and continued, her gaze flicking toward Bella and Freya with a hint of superiority. "You see, it’s rare to find women who understand ambition. Most girls these days waste their time on cute little hobbies." Her eyes deliberately dropped to Freya’s simple dress and then to Bella’s soft smile, her lips curling into a cruel smirk.
Bella blinked innocently, missing the insult entirely as she said, "That’s nice. You must be very proud of your friends."
Scarlett, however, smiled like a cat about to pounce. "Oh, she’s proud of herself, Bella Bell," she said sweetly. "The friends are just props in her story."
Alexa stiffened. "Excuse me?"
Scarlett leaned back, her smile still pleasant. "You talk about them like trophies, not people. Maybe try admiring their hearts next time, not just their handbags."
The air turned sharp for a moment. Freya’s wide green eyes darted nervously between them, and even Alan, watching quietly from the side, raised a brow in amusement.
Bella quickly tugged Scarlett’s sleeve, whispering, "Scar, don’t start..."
Scarlett only chuckled softly. "Relax, I’m just saying facts."