Rena shook her head in agreement, determined not to let sorrow consume her spirit.

“Don't worry, I won't."

A soft sigh then escaped Vera's Lips.

"Making more money is much more important than wasting time on a man Like that."

Sensing Rena's underlying financial strain, she fished out a bank card, eager to provide assistance in her time of need. However, Rena, in a soft-spoken manner, declined the offer.

"For now, I don't need it."

Vera couldn't fathom Rena's selflessness. She silently stared at her friend as if she was waiting for an explanation.

Rena's gesture of placing a piece of meat on Vera's plate was soon accompanied by a bittersweet revelation.

“I sold the necklace."

Upon hearing this, Vera's eyes immediately widened in disbelief.

Barely able to utter out her words, she said in a trembling voice, "Why didn't you discuss it with me first? That necklace was your mother's only Legacy, a cherished keepsake you've worn since childhood."

Rena stayed silent and instead placed a comforting hand on Vera, seeking to console her dear friend. However, their moment of solace was abruptly interrupted by a persistent ringing from her phone on the table.

Seeing that the call was from the manager of the restaurant she worked part time, her body tensed up slightly.

Anxious and hesitant, Rena answered the call, her heart sinking with each passing word. Slowly after, she placed it down as her eyes met her friend's with a mix of resignation and disappointment while she quietly confessed, "I've been dismissed from the restaurant."

Vera's fury surged like a huge wave, fueled by the unfairness of it all.

“This is surely all Harold's doing! What the hell is he thinking? How could someone be so annoying? Take me to him right now! How dare he treat you this way? He's betrayed you, Rena! And now all this shit?! We need to make him pay!"

Recognizing Harold's cunning ploy, Rena mustered the strength to restrain her friend's impulsive retaliation.

She pleaded with her friend not to confront the man since she knew his true intentions. He only wanted to force Rena into the role of his clandestine mistress.

Overwhelmed by emotion, Vera's angry voice echoed throughout the restaurant.

"How could Harold sink so low? He's engaged to another woman and also sneaks around with Aline at the same time! And now, he dares to ask you to be his mistress?"

Rena cast her eyes downward, her voice calm but tinged with sadness.

“It's all about his ego," she murmured softly.