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.

was akin to a bolt of thunder that struck without warning, and

she felt so mortified at their gazes that she wanted to crawl into

you spouting, Yvonne? I’ll kill

her feet with a bottle of wine

I’m not spouting nonsense. Do you not

willing to back down

wine bottle in hand, Yolanda trembled all over. In

then, stark regret swamped her. I regarded her

I was the one who arranged the class reunion today! Are you two going against me to kick up

host just because Lincoln

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

especially the males. She was rather pleasing to the eyes, after all, and they could

that incident, Yolanda kept her head lowered and

all eat together! You guys don’t get to eat such good food