Chapter 77 - Flaunting

I didn't know why both girls pretended to be friendly with me when obviously they look at me as an enemy.

We've been on different luxury boutiques already, but these rich kids wouldn't stop until they've bought from every last shop. And every time that they bought something, they flaunt its price and quality in front of my face.

Do rich kids shop like this?

As soon as we arrived in Bijoux Jewelry store, the two girls tried on different sets of jewelry while the boys mastered all their flirting skills and showered the girls with praises.

"Holley, choose whatever you like. My treat. Sophia too, since you're Holley's friend," Nixon said.

It was almost creepy that his eyes never left Holley's face. The way he looked at her with a passion. It was almost like he was obsessed while Holley didn't mind the unwanted attention at all. It even seemed like she was taking advantage of Nixon's feelings for her.

"Dude, why not treat me as well since I'm also Holley's friend?" Rowan chimed in, clasping his chest, face twist in pain as he grabbed Nixon's hand.

"You're not a girl," Nixon replied, pulling his hand away.

"Nixon, why don't you treat Leanna too?" Holley breathed a cute sigh as she looked at me with pity in her eyes. "Look at her. She hasn't even bought anything."

"It's not my fault that she can't afford anything," Nixon sneered, and all of them chuckled.

This guy, have you forgotten that we've met in that boutique? Didn't you see what I hauled in there?

"Leanna, are the stores we went all too expensive for you? If you want, we can go to a bargain shop," Sophia said. The corner of her lips curved down while her lower lip jutted out.

"I already bought everything I need," I answered.

Nixon snorted. "Hmp! Just say that you don't have any money."

"Nixon!" Holley said, eyes wide with fake reproach. "It's not Leanna's fault that she's working on a tight budget. Staying here and enrolling in Artem takes a lot."

"Holley, you're too kind. If it makes you feel better, then I'll also treat her." Nixon turned to me and frowned. "Well? Go ahead and choose what you want."

Sophia jumped on her toes. "Isn't it great that you came Leanna? Now you can even own a piece of jewelry from Bijoux."

I didn't know if I should tell them that I owned several collections of Bijoux. But I also didn't want to ruin the enthusiasm on their faces. After all, there was some sense of enjoyment at watching people making a fool out of themselves.

Though I wonder why they insist that I'm poor? I don't look poor. Is it because my family isn't well known? Or I came from a third world country in an unknown province?

Whatever. I'll play their little games then.

I licked my lips and smiled. "Be careful, Mr. Mandeville. You might want to rethink on buying me things," I warned.

Nixon scoffed, "Who do you think you're speaking to?"

"Well then, if you insist." I approached their group.

"Leanna, choose this. It'll look perfect on you." Holley pointed to a set of large white pearl necklace and earrings that only a granny would wear.

Does she think that I don't know anything about jewelry?

"Yeah, it looks nice." I said. "You have good taste. But then again, it'll look more beautiful on you. It suits your character."

Holley and Sophia's expression fell from their faces. For a time, they couldn't utter a word. I was sure that they'd got the underlying meaning behind my words based on the stunned looks of their faces.

"I-I . . ." Holley's mouth didn't know whether to open or close. She probably didn't expect me to retort.

Lucky for her, Sophia saved her.

"Leanna, those pearls are nice, but I think this one looks more fitting on you," Sophia said, pointing to a cushioned cut diamond ring that only grown-ups would wear.

If I did wear it, I would look like a teenager trying hard to be an adult.

Honestly, haven't they learned their lesson?