Chapter 4

The dinner was finally winding down, and classmates had broken off into small groups. Some were already looking up car models and prices on their phones while others were calling home to share the good news. The whole room buzzed like it was New Year's Eve.

Lacey was all smiles as the crowd swarmed around her on the way to the hotel front desk to settle the bill. "Don't rush, everyone. There's more planned after this. We're all going out to a club."

Brandon was carrying her purse for her like it was the most natural thing in the world. The two of them walked side by side at the front of the group, looking every bit the picture-perfect couple.

I'd had my fill, so I got up to follow. That was when Brandon stopped and turned around. His gaze cut through the crowd and landed squarely on me in the corner.

"Nicole, are you done eating?"

He had a smile on his face, and his voice wasn't loud, but it carried far enough for everyone around to hear. The group stopped and turned to look.

Something prickled at the back of my mind. I had a feeling whatever came next wasn't going to be pleasant. Sure enough, his expression darkened a second later.

"You actually have the nerve to sit there and enjoy this dinner? Weren't you always using your money to humiliate Lacey?

"The fact that she's willing to let all of that go and invite you to her graduation party should tell you just how big her heart is. And what do you do? Just sit there stuffing your face? What, have you never seen food before?"

After that little speech, the way everyone looked at me shifted again. The whole thing was absurd. Brandon's accusations came out of nowhere and made absolutely no sense. When had I ever used money to humiliate Lacey?

But Brandon didn't give me time to respond, his eyes glinting with mockery. "Nicole, you're always looking down on everyone from your high horse. Now that you see Lacey doing this well on her own, it must really eat you up inside, doesn't it?"

I was so angry I was nearly speechless, but I wasn't about to hold back. "Brandon, you keep saying I humiliated Lacey. Where's the proof?

"My family has been paying for Lacey's education for years. Where do you get off accusing me like this? I even used to go out of my way to help her because I felt sorry for her. Now helping someone is a crime? Is her ego really that fragile?"

I didn't bother holding back my disgust. "You all think she's some kind of little angel? She's an ungrateful snake. And you're a complete idiot for not seeing it."

"What did you just say?"

Brandon lunged forward, but Lacey grabbed his arm and held him back. "Bran, stop!"

She choked back a sob and dropped her head, every inch the picture of heartbreak. "Don't talk about Nicole like that. She never did any of those things to me."

That only fired the crowd up even more.

"Lacey, we're all right here. Don't be scared!"

"Yeah, we've got your back. It's just a stupid car. We don't need it that badly!"

"Nicole, you've got some nerve! You think being rich makes you untouchable? Apologize to Lacey right now!"

I pointed at myself in disbelief. "Wait. I'm the one who has to apologize?"

Lacey threw herself between the crowd and me, pleading with everyone to calm down. "Enough, you guys! I know you all mean well, but it's getting late. Once I pay the bill, we're all heading out to a club. Let's not ruin the night fighting over this!"

The classmates eventually settled down, though the dirty looks in my direction didn't let up.

Lacey shot me a subtle look of triumph, pulled out the bank card, and stepped up to pay. I sat back and waited, perfectly at ease.

The card reader let out a sharp beep.

The cashier's face fell. "Ms. Kemp, this card isn't going through. There are no funds available."