Melinda's POV
I deliberately lowered my voice, pretending to be at a loss.
At the mere mention of Vanya, Cliff's brows furrowed. Although he didn't say anything, I could sense his impatience.
"Do you not want to come?" he asked.
"Of course not!" My cheeks flushed as I explained, "I'm just worried that people will make wild guesses about our relationship again."
Cliff didn't respond to me.
Soon, Cliff and I arrived at the gala venue. There weren't many people inside. Cliff greeted the people one by one.
Before long, the main doors were pushed open again.
Two couples walked in, followed by Fawn and Raven, who were holding hands.
They came too!
In an instant, my heart dropped into the abyss. How could they be at such an important occasion?
Cliff noticed the change in my expression and frowned, asking, "Melinda, are you feeling unwell? Shall I have Elliot take you home first?"
"I..." I was about to speak when I caught a glimpse of Fawn and Raven noticing me out of the corner of my eye.
I quickly covered my face and said, "I'm going to the restroom. I'll be right back."
With that, I hurried towards the corridor at the corner.
However, as I reached the restroom door, I saw them.
I was embarrassed but still feigned surprise and asked, "Why are you here too?"
Raven said, "I was about to ask you the same thing. Why did you run when you saw us?"
Fawn frowned and asked, "The man you were just standing with, is he your boyfriend?"
"Yes... yes, he is." I couldn't deny it. After all, Cliff had come to the school to find me several times before, and Fawn and Raven had seen him.
Fawn skeptically said, "Then why didn't you mention it when we left the dormitory today? Usually, if your boyfriend takes you to a banquet, you'd be eager to let us know."
"It was sudden... and you didn't tell me either," I forced a smile and said, "Why are you here?"
"Why? Is it only your boyfriend who gets to attend such occasions? My parents can't?" Raven said with a sneer.
To be honest, her and Fawn's family backgrounds were much better than mine.
I bit my lip and said, "I didn't mean that..."
Raven said, "Perfect timing, Melinda. You've always been looking for an opportunity to introduce your boyfriend to us. Everyone's here today, so introduce him to us."
Fawn also said, "Yeah, your boyfriend is in business too, right? He looks like a big shot. Maybe my parents can invest a bit through him."
"But my boyfriend never lets me get involved in his business..."
"Are you kidding? Your boyfriend funds your education and even plans to send you abroad. He takes you to banquets all the time. How could he not let you get involved?" Raven said sarcastically, "You wouldn't be trying to avoid introducing us, would you?"
"How could I..." I bit my lip and said, "I'll go talk to him, but whether he meets you or not is up to him."
"That's the spirit. Hurry up then. We'll wait for you in the hall," Raven and Fawn exchanged glances.
I knew they weren't going to be easily fooled anymore.
I reluctantly returned to Cliff's side. Cliff asked, "Why did it take so long?"
"Alpha Cliff, I ran into two classmates, and they... want me to introduce them to you and talk about some business with their parents," I said.
Cliff frowned. His expression already showed his attitude.
Elliot, standing nearby, said, "Miss Coleman, you should know what kind of person Alpha Cliff is, right?"
Cliff was a big shot in Los Angeles. He wasn't someone who would casually get involved in business talks with just anyone.
I was indeed overreaching by bringing this up.
I quickly said, "I know. I'll go tell them right away!"
Cliff's unwillingness to meet them actually relieved me.
I apologized to Raven and Fawn with a face full of regret, but Fawn frowned and said, "What's the big deal with your boyfriend? Who does he think he is?"
"Exactly, our families also received the invitation, which means we have the means!" Raven said with disdain.
I was anxious inside, fearing that their loud voices would reach Cliff's ears.
They had no idea that the person they were belittling was the renowned Cliff of Los Angeles.
At that moment, the main doors were pushed open once again. Vanya and Grace walked in, arm in arm, followed by Derrick and Theodore.
The moment they entered, they instantly drew everyone's attention.
Raven's brows furrowed even more. "How did this woman have the invitation?"
Fawn also frowned at me. My face turned dark, and my legs felt weak.
How could Vanya be here?
"Alpha Cliff, it's Luna Vanya," Elliot whispered in Cliff's ear.
Cliff's brows tightened.
Vanya and Grace, arm in arm, chatting and laughing, caught sight of the three of us.
A playful smile flickered on her face.