Seeing that I remained silent, Carla gripped my hand tightly. "Riley, you'll help me, won't you? Otherwise, Aunt Itzel will dredge up that old incident again."

She tried to use Itzel to pressure me, but I wasn't taking the bait. I replied calmly, "Let's talk about this later. My friend is coming over soon."

"Perfect timing, let's all grab lunch together. We should find a nice restaurant—wouldn't want to make your friend feel unwelcome."

Carla instructed the store manager to wrap up the necklace. "This necklace would look stunning on you. Many ladies have tried to reserve it; it’s quite in demand. Ma'am, you have impeccable taste," the sales associate chimed in flatteringly.

Once the necklace was packed, Carla stood nearby, expecting me to pay.

How amusing. Did she really think I was still going to buy it for her?

I smiled faintly. "I didn't bring my card with me, and I never use online payment methods. Sorry, I can't help you. Maybe it's a sign you shouldn't buy it."

Carla looked reluctant. I gave a discreet nod to the store manager. He gave a knowing smirk, his eyes saying, "Why pretend to be generous if you can't foot the bill?"

With a sigh, Carla pulled out her card. "What's the holdup? Bring the card machine over here!"

This jewelry store was one of my businesses. Once she completed the payment, my account got a €400,000 boost!

Even after purchasing the jewelry, Carla seemed uneasy. Right in front of me, she called Itzel. "Aunt Itzel, Riley just got me a €400,000 necklace, but I had to pay upfront. She said she'll reimburse me."

It was laughable. Buying her own necklace and then expecting me to cover it. Truly shameless.

When we arrived at the restaurant, Carla quickly played her cards right. "Riley, didn’t you say you forgot your wallet? This place might be a bit expensive."

"Don’t worry, just enjoy your meal."

With my reassurance, she seemed much more at ease. Carla went ahead and ordered lasagna, filet mignon, and even asked for a bottle of red wine.

Then my best friend showed up.

Carla encouraged her to order anything she liked, praising me for my generosity, clearly perceiving me as an easy mark.

My friend and I exchanged knowing glances, silently agreeing to enjoy the meal to the fullest.

My friend learned about Carla’s plan to add her son's name to my family records, and she scoffed, "Are you short a significant other, or is he Adrian's secret child? Why would anyone help with something like that?"

Carla shot back, "How complicated can it be to sort out family affairs? Without my help, Riley's aunt wouldn’t have accepted her so quickly."

Worried my friend might confront her directly, I quickly clutched my stomach. "Novah, my stomach’s acting up. Would you accompany me to the restroom?"

My friend promptly supported me as we made our exit.

Meanwhile, Carla was busy asking the waiter for doggy bags, and she selected the most expensive lasagna to take home.

By then, my friend and I had already left the restaurant, heading to the spa instead.

Carla called me, but Novah answered, saying we were off to the hospital and wouldn’t be returning.

That meal cost at least a thousand dollars, and Carla sure had the nerve to indulge. Since she was so generous with herself, she could handle footing the bill on her own.