Chapter 21
Chapter 21
The commotion drew everyone’s attention in the shop. People started whispering and watching from the side.
The girl in the miniskirt seemed to enjoy the spotlight. With a smug smile, she added, “Country folks should just stay in the country where they belong.”
Nina clenched her fists.
Just then, another voice spoke up. “Paula, how could you say something like that?”
A sweet-looking girl with branded clothes and accessories walked over, her tone soft and gentle. “Maybe she doesn’t know how expensive Häagen-Dazs is, but every girl should have the right to enjoy it.”
The crowd nodded in agreement, clearly impressed by her kindness.
But the girl called Paula just rolled her eyes. “Life’s never fair. Sylvia, you’re just too soft. That’s why you think these hillbillies are the same as us.”
Nina narrowed her eyes. No wonder the other girl looked familiar-she was Charles’s daughter, Sylvia.
“You don’t get it, Paula,” Sylvia said. “A lot of girls are already trying their hardest just to exist in this world. Life isn’t easy for them.”
She shook her head with sympathy, then turned to Nina and Yvonne and gave a sincere little nod. “I’m sorry. My friend just speaks too bluntly. I apologize for her.
“But girls should be raised well. You shouldn’t grow up without trying Häagen-Dazs. Let me treat you.”
People around them couldn’t help but admire Sylvia-kind and generous even with her privileged background.
“Is eating Häagen-Dazs the only way to be raised well? Nina tilted her head slightly, her pretty face full of innocent confusion. “My mom says being raised well isn’t about money, it’s about what’s inside. Hasn’t your mom ever told you that?”
The crowd looked surprised and glanced at each other.
Paula couldn’t help but yell, “What are you even saying? How rude!”
Sylvia looked stunned and hurt. “I just wanted to be nice and share something with you. Why would you say that?”
Yvonne blinked, then tried hard to keep a straight face even though she clearly wanted to laugh. “Nina, where are your
‘manners?”
“Sorry, Mom,” Nina said, bowing her head with a sincere tone. “I shouldn’t brag just because I have a mom when others don’t.”
Yvonne finally couldn’t hold it in anymore and burst out laughing.
“Damn hillbilly!” Sylvia finally lost it. She cursed through gritted teeth. “You better hope we don’t meet again, or-”
“Or you’ll be jealous I have a mom.” Nina looked at her with pure sympathy. “That’s really sad.”
Sylvia was livid. She was just about to snap back when she noticed Paula staring at her, clearly surprised.
Sylvia quickly tried to explain. “No, I mean-I was just-
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9:10 pm & S
Chapter 21
But Nina cut in, her face serious. “I also believe people aren’t all equal. But it’s not about what you eat or wear. It’s about whether your heart is kind and pure.”
Someone in the shop suddenly shouted, “Well said!”
Then people started clapping, one after another. Everyone looked at Nina with admiration.
“This girl’s mom raised her right.”
“Yeah, teaching your kid to be thoughtful and wise like that-that’s real wealth.”
To Sylvia, every one of those words stung. And Nina just stood there smiling at her, saying nothing. But that quiet smile was enough to humiliate her.
Sylvia clenched her fists, nearly drawing blood from biting her lip, then turned and stormed out the door.
Paula was still stunned. She gave Nina a confused look, then ran after Sylvia.
Nina just raised an eyebrow.
Then Yvonne gently put a hand on her shoulder and sighed. “Nina.”
9:10 pm
