Rebirth: Love me Again

Chapter 168 The Art of Subtle Warfare

[EVE]

Inside the bathroom, the scene was something out of a makeup commercial.

The women crowded around the mirror, touching up their lipstick, dabbing on highlighter, and even reapplying perfume like it was a group ritual.

One girl leaned forward to add bronzer to her cleavage, the movement deliberate and practiced.

I couldn't help but stare, bewildered.

Riri caught my look and chuckled, "Reloading our weapons."

"Uh-huh . . ." I nodded slowly, unsure whether to laugh or keep my confusion to myself.

"So, you and Cole, huh?" one of the girls asked, snapping her compact shut and turning to me with a knowing grin.

"What about us?" I replied cautiously.

The girls exchanged glances before bursting into giggles, clearly amused by my obliviousness.

"Come on, it's obvious he's into you," one of them teased, applying a fresh coat of lipstick.

"Yeah, the way he looks at you? Girl, that's

not

normal," another chimed in, fanning herself dramatically.

Riri leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I was thinking the same thing. He's got it bad."

Heat crept up my neck, and I waved my hands dismissively. "You're all imagining things! That's just how he is—stoic, broody, overprotective, and annoying."

"Annoying, sure," one of the girls said, smirking. "But the way he stares at you? Like you're the only person in the room? That's something else."

"I wish someone would look at me like that," another sighed wistfully.

"Like he's starved, and you're his favorite meal!" one added with a devilish grin, sending the group into peals of laughter.

Riri leaned closer, feigning awe. "That's amazing! I bet you get free coffee every day."

"Of course," he said, puffing out his chest. "But honestly, I've been thinking of branching out into fine dining. Maybe a Michelin-starred restaurant or two. You know, just to diversify."

At this point, the conversation had turned into an unspoken competition of who could sound the most ridiculously wealthy to get the girls fawning over them.

I couldn't help but stifle a laugh when one of the guys said, "And, uh, I have a private jet. Well, I share it with my family, but it's practically mine."

Another guy jumped in, unwilling to be overshadowed. "That's cool, but I'm more into experiences. I just got back from a three-month safari. The guide told me I have the makings of a professional wildlife photographer."

By now, the girls were either playing along enthusiastically or trying not to roll their eyes too visibly.

Riri, ever the pro, nodded with mock seriousness. "Wow, that's incredible! You're all so successful. It must be tough to keep track of it all."

"Tough?" the first guy scoffed. "Try impossible! Just yesterday, I found out I still own shares in a tech startup. Totally forgot about it."

"Same here," the second guy said, as if it were the most relatable thing in the world. "I opened my closet the other day and found a Rolex I didn't even know I had."

At this point, I couldn't help but mutter under my breath, "Must be so hard being rich."

Unfortunately, Cole, who'd been quietly sipping his tea and observing the whole charade, heard me. He leaned in, smirking. "See? You're better off with someone like me. Low maintenance."

I glared at him. "Low maintenance? You're the most high-maintenance person I know."

He chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "But at least I don't brag about yachts or forgotten condos."

"True," I muttered, and, added, "You just barge into mixers uninvited."

"Touché," he said, raising his glass in a mock toast.

"How about you, Cole?" one of the guys asked, turning to him with a curious yet challenging look. It was clear they had noticed he hadn't joined in the unofficial

Who's the Richest in the Room

contest.

George, still sore from being displaced earlier, saw an opportunity to stir the pot. With a smirk, he added, "Yeah, Cole. What's your story? What do you do? What does your family do?"