"Tch. You probably went in your dreams. Aren't you afraid of biting your tongue talking that big?" Victor scoffed.
Riley only smiled, saying nothing.
There's no point arguing with people like him.
But Sophia's eyes lit up with an idea. "Since Riley is so capable, then she shouldn't follow us inside later. Evan, just take us in. No need to drag along someone who clearly looks down on us."
Evan's pride was already stung. Hearing that, he snorted. "Fine. We'll go in ourselves. Riley, since you're so capable, you can come in on your own later."
With that, he led the group toward the entrance.
Felicia lingered behind, barely hiding the satisfaction in her eyes. Still, she put on a concerned act.
"Sigh, Riley… why say things like that at a time like this?" she said softly. "Just apologize to Evan. He might take you in with him. Otherwise, if you get lost standing outside, I won't be able to help you."
The sarcasm beneath her tone was unmistakable.
But the moment Evan called her, she instantly switched back to her gentle, obedient persona.
Riley let out a quiet laugh.
Does she have multiple personalities or something?
***
At the entrance of Auremere, two rows of uniformed security guards stood rigidly on either side.
The group immediately straightened up, suddenly cautious, afraid of doing anything wrong and getting thrown out.
"Please present your black card."
A suited attendant stepped forward, blocking their way.
Evan swallowed nervously and handed over the card with both hands. "Here you go."
The attendant scanned it, then looked up. "Are all of you together?"
Evan nodded.
But before anything else could be said—
Sophia raised her voice sharply. "Only eight of us are going in! She doesn't count!"
She pointed directly at Riley, chin lifted arrogantly.
The attendant glanced at Riley, then turned back to Evan. "So is it eight or nine?"
Evan frowned.
He prided himself on being a gentleman. Openly excluding Riley like this—if word got out, it wouldn't look good.
He shot Riley an impatient look. "Do you want to come in with us?"
Before Riley could answer—
Felicia stepped forward, linking her arm with Riley's, her expression full of concern.
"Just apologize to Evan. Let him take you in. Don't push yourself."
Riley blinked at her, then said lightly, "I didn't say anything wrong. Why should I apologize?"
She tilted her head, voice calm but pointed. "Actually… you seem pretty eager to make me apologize. Are you trying to embarrass me on purpose?"
Felicia froze.
Her eyes reddened instantly, her voice trembling. "I'm not… Riley, you misunderstood me…"
With her soft, delicate appearance, that slight show of vulnerability drew everyone's attention.
Victor's anger flared. "Whether you go in or not, who cares? Why are you snapping at Felicia?"
Riley smiled faintly, blinking at him. "I wasn't even talking to you. Why are you so worked up? What—standing up for a beauty?"
Victor's expression stiffened.
He shot Felicia a quick, guilty glance before looking away.
Sophia's face darkened instantly. She stepped between them, clutching Victor's arm possessively.
"Riley! Stop trying to stir things up! Victor is speaking up because Felicia is my friend! Don't think we'll fall for your tricks!"
Victor quickly echoed, "Yeah, that's right. Don't twist things around."