Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2384

Miranda sipped her drink, her heavily made-up face a kaleidoscope of colors under the party lights. "Oh, I totally forgot to mention, my boyfriend manages The Night. So tonight, everyone can let loose, drink up, and on top of that, I got us a 40% discount!"

Crystal rolled her eyes and whispered to Sophia, "Now it makes sense why she was so eager to join us. Just showing off, as usual. A nightclub manager, what's there to boast about?"

"It's all about the money, honey," Eileen shrugged, her voice a low murmur. Having lived in B City all her life, she was quite familiar with her classmates' affairs. "Since graduating, Miranda hasn't worked a day, just living off her boyfriends. The current one apparently gives her a lavish allowance of around $7,000 a month. She's always bragging about it in our group chat, but you guys wouldn't know since you're not in it."

Sophia sighed, increasingly exasperated. In this day and age, was being financially dependent on a man really something to boast about?

"Sophia!"

Another girl, Hilary, suddenly chimed in. "What are you up to these days?"

"I'm a designer," Sophia replied.

"Not bad. Got a boyfriend yet?"

Sophia paused. "Nope."

"You're not still waiting for Robin, are you? Heard he's made it big, even took his company public!" Hilary's laughter carried a hint of mockery, suggesting Sophia was aiming too high.

Sophia responded coolly, "Seems like you've been keeping tabs on him, too."

Hilary's smile stiffened momentarily. "Well, he was a classmate. Naturally, I'd be curious. Oh, and Zoey's single too. You know, keeping it all in the circle. Maybe you should consider him!"

Zoey, who had been quietly observing, smirked, his cigarette dangling. "Hilary, what are you on about?"

Miranda jumped in, "What, you think Sophia's not good enough for you? Sure, you're good-looking and come from money, but Sophia's no slouch either. She's got looks, at least."

It was a backhanded compliment aimed at putting Sophia down.

Sophia had always been private about her family background at school, dressing modestly, leading many to assume her parents were just average folks.

Zoey laughed, "I meant that Sophia's heart is set on Robin. Why would she settle for me?"

Miranda, her face pale with anger, was at a loss for words.

"Let's all calm down, for my sake," Zoey suggested, guiding Sophia back to her seat. "The bonds of friendship are what matter most. Let's cherish that, shall we?"

"How about we sing instead?" Romeo grabbed the mic. "Old hits or the latest chart-toppers?"

The crowd quickly shifted focus, some voting for classics, others for modern tunes, deliberately lightening the mood. The tension began to dissipate.

As the evening wore on, with singing and laughter filling the air, someone suggested playing a game.

Miranda, sly as ever, nudged Zoey, who found himself conveniently seated next to Sophia.

Hilary asked, "What should we play?"

"How about something thrilling?" Miranda proposed, a mischievous glint in her eye.