"Yeah, that tough attitude is exactly why those rich wolves like her so much."
"Look at her face-kind of like Thalia's, right? But Thalia's back, and the wolves don't care. They're still all over Sophia. Did the new girl steal the show?"
"Thalia's too perfect. The wolves probably got tired of her. Sophia's the real deal."
People in the room aren't trying to hide their whispers. In this group, there are friends and enemies, and these comments are full of mean - spirited joy.
I calmly look Sophia over. She stands out among the servers, looking fragile but eye - catching.
Then, suddenly, things go wrong.
As Sophia brings a tray of drinks to my table, she stumbles and the drinks splash towards me.
I jump back, but some still get on my dress.
"Oh, Ms. Morgan, I'm so sorry! It's all my fault..."
She drops to her knees, looking really sorry, and tries to wipe my dress.
I'm about to tell her it's okay when someone shouts.
"Thalia, don't you dare pick on Sophia!"
Robert storms over, glaring at me. He pulls Sophia up and stands in front of her protectively.
"Thalia, you're from a good family-how can you pick on a helpless she - wolf like this? After three years away, this is how you act?" He sounds really angry.
People in the room start smirking and giving me dirty looks, like I've been replaced.
[AHH, Robert being so protective is amazing! I'm loving it!]
[Thalia's messing with Sophia, and the wolves are already turning against her!]
"Robert, stop-it's my fault. Ms. Morgan has every right to be angry," Sophia says, sounding all sweet and innocent.
Her words just make Robert angrier. "Thalia, I never thought you'd be so childish-"
"Robert!"
I cut him off, my voice cold and sharp. "I haven't said a thing. How far are you going to take this stupid show? What's your problem?"
Robert freezes, shocked by my cold tone. He opens his mouth, but nothing comes out.
"Ms. Morgan, it's all my fault. You can yell at me, but please don't be mad at Robert-he's just trying to protect me," Sophia says, her voice shaking like she's the victim here.
I study her closer. First, I thought she was a harmless little thing, but now I see the calculating look in her eyes. She's playing the innocent card way too hard.
"Thalia, Sophia isn't like you, born into a rich family," Robert snaps, still acting like a guard dog. "She has to work hard for everything. Don't pick on her just because we're helping her-you might even get her fired!"
I press my lips together. "Yeah, I was born rich, lucky me. Just like you were born into your own privilege, so you can run your mouth like this. But here's the thing: I don't owe anyone an explanation. Just because I have money doesn't mean you can accuse me without proof. From the second she spilled that drink, I haven't said a word. You're the one jumping to conclusions and blaming me. That's on you. If I want to make a big deal about this, it's my right. If I let it go, that's me being nice. Either way, it's none of your business who you're hanging out with, and I won't let you trash my name. Got it?"
Robert stares at me, confused. For a second, I see panic in his eyes.
[Wait, is Thalia making sense? She didn't even do anything, and Sophia's acting like she's being bullied.]
[Sense? Please, Thalia was definitely about to mess with Sophia! Robert just stopped her. Don't act like Thalia's innocent because a wolf stood up.]
