“But you've already thanked her... More than once actually."

The friend knew Zaria, who didn't seem to be a grateful person.

Zaria opened her mouth, thought for a moment, and then said firmly,

“Regardless, I find Claudia's character appealing. I really like her."

“I don't think you just Like her. You were even overly respectful to her!"

Still, as Zaria's friend, she supported her. "You can invite her out more often! Cheer up, it's your birthday!"

Zaria smiled, but suddenly a thought struck her. "No! Why did Claudia leave so abruptly? What happened?" Her friend was at a Loss for words.

She was utterly speechless. Zaria had talked about Claudia all night. Anyone who didn't know better would think Claudia had saved Zaria's life!

Well, in fact, she really had.

Zaria's friend could only empathize. Zaria saw Claudia as her savior that night, having rescued her from the water when she'd fallen in, overcome by her fear of water. Her friend even humorously thought that if Claudia had been a man, Zaria might have felt compelled to marry him!

This thought eased her friend's jealousy.

“I heard that Eugenia and Mina said something unpleasant to her."

Upon hearing this, Zaria's anger flared.

“Didn't I announce that Claudia was my distinguished guest? How dare these two behave so rudely to her!"

Her fury was palpable.

Zaria turned around and marched downstairs and summoned four security guards. She then ordered them to escort Eugenia and Mina out of the banquet hall.

At first, they protested, "Miss Santiago, what are you doing?"

Zaria's cold response silenced them.

“How dare you question me? How can you mistreat my honored guest like this?"

Once she said this, everyone understood it was about Claudia.

Eugenia and Mina were stunned. They wanted to object but were too intimidated.

They were powerless before the Santiago family.

Zaria's Facebook post had declared Claudia an honored guest.

Though she hadn't explicitly forbidden any misconduct towards Claudia, her intent was clear.