Chapter 50 Class Reunion 2
As they proceeded towards the private room, Athena couldn’t help but wear a smug smile. She had noticed the expressions on her former classmates’ faces when they realized that Hera was the one behind the wheel of the admired car. It was a moment of sweet satisfaction for Athena, as they had never imagined that she and Hera, whom they looked down upon, would ever have the opportunity to drive even more expensive cars than they themselves owned.
The atmosphere was thick with tension, so palpable that even the sound of a pin dropping could be heard through the hallway. Nobody seemed willing to break the awkward silence.
However, relief washed over them as they finally reached their reserved private room, Hera couldn’t help but notice the increased security presence and the heightened attentiveness of the staff along the way. Suppressing a chuckle, she surmised that they were likely on edge, perhaps anticipating an unexpected inspection from their superiors.
The 19 attendees settled around the four large round tables, each meant for five persons. It was only then that they realized they were missing one person. However, they quickly brushed off the absence, already seated and engaged in conversation with one another. Deciding to wait patiently for the missing individual, they continued chatting amicably.
As conversations began, boasting about achievements and family success stories filled the room. Hera and Athena remained seated quietly at their table, choosing to listen rather than engage in the display of self-promotion. They seemed uninterested in participating in the ostentatious exchange.
However, their quiet demeanor inadvertently drew attention to them. Once each person finished promoting their achievements, the focus shifted to Hera and Athena, who appeared to be faring well despite their previous struggles. Just a year ago, they were akin to street rats, barely scraping by in their worn-down clothes.
One of their former classmates broke the silence with a teasing remark, "So... you two seem to be doing quite well now, huh? Care to enlighten us? Did you marry a wealthy old man, or perhaps find a sugar daddy?" Laughter filled the room as the question hung in the air.
Athena’s face flushed with anger, her instinct urging her to retaliate, but Hera intervened. She reached out, gently grasping Athena’s hand and offering a few calming taps to ease her frustration.
Before Athena could respond, another male classmate interjected with a crude comment aimed at Hera. "Hera, if you were in dire need of money and relief, all you had to do was let me know. I could take care of you far better than any old man ever could. And I can assure you, I’d make you much happier in bed," he added with a suggestive leer, his eyes lingering provocatively on Hera’s cleavage. The other males in the group made no attempt to conceal their wandering gazes either.
Athena had endured demeaning remarks about their past poverty, but she refused to tolerate sexual harassment. In response to the man’s comment, she couldn’t hold back her disdain. "You?!" she exclaimed, her eyes scanning him up and down with a roll of her eyes. "You can’t even provide for yourself, let alone someone else. You’re still living off your family’s wealth, aren’t you?"
Athena’s pointed remark struck a nerve, leaving everyone feeling offended. The truth was, they were all still heavily reliant on their parents for everything, from college tuition to their monthly allowances. None of them had ventured into the realm of working and earning their own keep. Instead, they harbored plans to continue relying on their families even after graduation, only considering employment within their family businesses once they were tired of their leisurely lifestyles.
The man who had spoken rose abruptly, his face contorted with anger as he felt the sting of humiliation in front of his former classmates. Pointing an accusatory finger at Athena, he shouted, "You insolent bitch! How dare you belittle me like that?!! Do you think you’re untouchable? I could crush you with the snap of my fingers!" Panting with rage, his eyes burned red with fury. He had never experienced such humiliation before and certainly hadn’t anticipated Athena would have the audacity to challenge him in such a manner.