A MAZE OF GREED

Lester was about to say something when a woman intervened between his and Elsie's conversation.

"Hello, Lester! Finally, we got a chance for your presence, huh?!"

Elsie and Lester turned to look at the woman who wore a red gown that accentuated her curves at the right places. Her red lips turned into a smile, showing her white teeth. Her eyes were trained on Lester's face.

It took some moments for Lester to recognise the woman. "Eloise?" He asked in surprise.

The woman's smile widened after hearing her name from his mouth. "The one and only!" She graciously threw her head back in arrogance.

"I can't believe it's you! You have changed a lot since childhood." Lester was annoyed that his time with Elsie was interrupted, but he couldn't show it to Eloise. Besides, Eloise was his partner in crime and a very good friend since their childhood. So, he was happy to meet her after the donkey's years.

"I assume you said it in a positive way." She arched her brows at him while a grin remained plastered on her face.

She looked at her younger sister with a subtle glare. "Elsie, you didn't tell me that our childhood friend is here tonight. If mother and father hadn't told me then I might have missed a chance to meet Lester."

Elsie couldn't meet her elder sister's glare as she was always a gullible one. She couldn't put her up in front of Eloise as she was elder than her. Where Elsie was quiet, innocent and shy, Eloise on the other hand, was bold, confident and arrogant. Both the sisters shared similar features to a certain point, but Elsie had that charisma and politeness that attracted people.

"No, Eloise. How could I go back without meeting my dear friend?" Lester smiled at Eloise.

But his words stung Elsie a little. She pursed her lips while pulling her gaze down to the floor.

"Don't tell me! How did you not miss me and come to visit me?" Eloise asked directly.

Both Elsie and Lester didn't miss Eloise's choice of the word when she said 'me' instead of 'us'. But both of them didn't point it out as everyone was aware of her holier-than-thou nature.

"How can I not miss the people I hold dear to my heart? I was just busy with the life. But now that I have everything under control, I can always come to visit my favourite people." Though Lester was answering Eloise's question, his eyes were focused on no one but Elsie.

Elsie felt a blush creeping on her cheeks while Eloise gave a quick look of distaste to her younger sister.

"Of course! You can come to see me anytime, Lester!" Came a taunting reply from jealous Eloise. She went as far as putting her hand on Lester's arm.

He didn't mind it. "I forgot to ask. What is the occasion tonight? As far as I know, no one from O'Dell family have their birthday or anniversary today." Lester asked the same question that the majority of guests were wondering about.

"Rich people like us don't need occasions to celebrate, Lester. You should know that." Eloise replied while gracefully tucking a strand of hairs behind her ear.

Lester didn't like her reply. He glanced at Elsie, who was quiet since her sister has arrived. "Do you think the same, Elsie?" Lester asked expectantly.

Elsie glanced at her sister, who watched her with creased brows. She then answered, "We are lucky enough to have the fortune to spend on such things, and I don't mind hosting a celebration on the special occasions as it is according to our family status. But throwing such grand celebrations without any reason is something that I can't understand."

Elsie chose her words deliberately as she was always conscious to act at par with her family status. Also, the upbringing of these rich kids was like that. The sense of superiority was embedded in their minds since childhood. And that was how they have seen their elders live. So, naturally, they tend to consider themselves above the ones who had not enough money and power.

Lester smiled contently by hearing her answer as he knew that the woman, he was harbouring feelings for was just perfect in every sense.