The Man’s Decree

As Lincoln clocked everyone’s expressions, his lips curved into a barely perceptible arc. “Although this meal today isn’t that expensive, I know many of you are rather strapped for cash now. As long as you toast me, I’ll foot the bill for you!”

After he had finished saying that, he shifted his gaze to Hilda and Lincoln, making it abundantly clear that his words were meant for them.

“Wow, thank you, Lincoln! Let me be the first person to toast you!”

No sooner had his words rang out than someone picked up his wine glass and toasted the man.

Soon, everyone toasted him with toady grins on their faces. In the end, Hilda, Kai, and Yolanda were the only ones who hadn’t done so.

“Aren’t you going to toast Lincoln, Yolanda?” Yvonne queried.

“I can afford to pay eight thousand.”

Yolanda’s meaning was more than clear—she would rather pay out of her own pocket than toast Lincoln.

“Stop acting as though you’re rich! How many clients would you have to sleep with before you make that much? I was just saying that for your own good, yet you’re not the least bit grateful!” Yvonne grumbled with a roll of her eyes.

thunder that struck

face flushed bright red, and she felt so mortified at their gazes that she wanted to crawl into a

spouting,

her feet with a bottle

your tongue, Yolanda! I’m not spouting nonsense. Do

to back down

over. In the next instant, she made

then, stark regret swamped her. I regarded her as a close friend,

Yolanda. With a cold expression on her face, she roared, “Why are you two making a scene? I was the one who arranged the class reunion today! Are you two going against

as the host just because Lincoln was her

that bellow. Yolanda, on the other hand, sat back down with tears

rather pleasing to the eyes, after all, and they could possibly bed her then for

head lowered

get to eat such good food usually!” Michelle said to the crowd,