"My Roxie, as always—never fails to impress me."
Vivian Ouyang threw her arms around Roxie, her excitement almost feverish. She pressed herself against Roxie, who immediately shoved Vivian's head away, her expression tense.
"Vivi, stop messing around."
The oppressive air loosened, if only for a moment. 016's pallor faded slightly. Sylvia drifted to my side, sipped her tea, and blew a cold breath into my ear. I jolted, clutching my ear, staring at her. Sylvia's face twisted strangely, caught between laughter and helplessness.
"Sylvia, what are you doing?"
"Just so you know—Vivian Ouyang isn't interested in men."
I gave a simple "oh," then a jolt of electricity shot up my spine, freezing me in place. My eyes widened at Vivian Ouyang, still burrowing into Roxie's arms, desperate. I rushed over, heart pounding.
"Enough. Let's sit down and eat. Roxie, come—let's take that spot."
Flushed with embarrassment, I dragged Roxie to the table, claiming our seats in silence. I caught Vivian Ouyang's sly, almost predatory grin as she watched me.
"What's wrong, Ethan? You look pale."