"Exactly! If she hadn't specifically asked us to invite you, I wouldn't have bothered calling!"
"Just down three glasses and apologize to her already. At least you'll get some free Moutai out of it!"
The jeers came from every direction.
I didn't hear a single one.
Because everything I said was the truth.
If I hadn't wanted to spare my old classmates some embarrassment, I would have told them long ago that Pinecrest Pavilion was my property.
Seeing my silence, Alberta walked over with her wine glass and stopped in front of me.
"Do you know why I dumped you back then?" She tilted her head, lips curling. "A man with no power shouldn't pretend to be something he's not."
She thrust the glass toward me. "Drink this, and I'll pretend none of this ever happened."
I rose slowly, meeting her gaze head-on.
"Alberta." My voice was quiet. "I showed you a little courtesy, and you actually think I'm still that lovesick nobody who would've done anything for you four years ago?"
Without breaking eye contact, I called toward the door:
"Waiter—bring me the menu."
I let the words land.
"Tonight, the entire bill is on me."
The room went still.