A day early or a day late wouldn't make much of a difference.
"Ugh, why are you meeting her? Isn't she that girl from Sundara?"
Because Meiko had sought Claire out so many times, her roommates had grown all too familiar with her.
Claire had never shown her a shred of warmth before.
Why the sudden willingness to hang out?
"It's not that I want to hang out with her. She just won't leave me alone, and I'm tired of it. I want to deal with it once and for all."
"Don't fall for her sugar-coated traps. Most Solenians aren't exactly fond of people from Sundara."
"There aren't many good ones from there. She definitely has an ulterior motive."
Did they really think Claire was blind to her motives?
She just didn't understand why Meiko was so dead-set on having her handle the consultation.
Since she wanted it so badly, Claire decided to humor her.
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
Skylar knew Claire was always rational, but she was still worried Meiko might manipulate her.
Meiko hadn't been at The Cabinda University for long, but she was incredibly popular.
It wasn't that Skylar hated social butterflies.
It was just that her being from Sundara naturally put people on guard.
Claire praised Skylar's sharp instincts and high level of awareness.
"It's a shame you aren't working for the government."
Skylar glared at her playfully. "If they'd take me, I'd sign up right now."
She just didn't have the grit for that kind of hardship.
Claire got ready at home-or rather, she put on a little extra effort under Skylar's fierce insistence.
"That Meiko always looks flawless when she goes out."
"Half the guys on campus are completely obsessed with her."
"If you go out with her looking plain, it's not just a rivalry between two girls. It's a clash of national pride."
"We absolutely cannot lose."
Claire was speechless. Fine, whatever made her happy.
She picked out a tailored purple coat, layered over a light purple floral sweater with delicate flower shaped. buttons. The ensemble made her look incredibly elegant and refined.
She topped it off with a knitted beret adorned with a subtle purple trim.
With a touch of light makeup, a swipe of lipstick, and a soft wave to her hair, she was ready.
She looked absolutely breathtaking.
"Gorgeous!"
Skylar nodded in deep satisfaction.
"Our girl is going to break hearts the second she steps outside."
On someone like Skylar, the outfit would have looked sickeningly sweet.
But on Claire, it exuded the unapproachable aura of a high-fashion elite.
Dressed to kill, Claire drove to the restaurant where she was supposed to meet Meiko.
It was a traditional Solenian restaurant.
The fact that Meiko hadn't picked
Sundaran place proved just howe
adept she was at playing to
preferences
FindNovel.net
Meiko had arrived early, and upon seeing Claire, she was momentarily stunned by
her look.
"Claire, you look stunning today."
Meiko had obviously spent hours getting ready as well.
But standing next to Claire, she was merely pretty, while Claire was
utterly magnetic, standing out the
effortlessly in the crowd. .net>
She could guarantee that if anyone looked at them, their eyes would instantly land on Claire.
It wasn't just a matter of height; it was pure, undeniable presence.
As much as Meiko hated to admit it, she couldn't compete with Claire in the looks department.
However, Sundara had plenty of beautiful girls, so she didn't believe physical appearance mattered that much anyway.
What she valued above all was sheer capability.
"Thank you. You look great as well," Claire replied with detached politeness.