Reborn To Ruin Her Rivals - Chapter 25: Chapter 25

Every girl liked wearing pretty clothes. Cute bags, jewelry—anything to make herself look beautiful. And Arielle was no different.
Arielle used to dress in colors and styles she didn't even like, all for the sake of her family.
Even if she really liked something light-colored, Arielle didn't dare wear it at home.
Because Meredith and Sharon both hated it when she wore light colors. To please them, Arielle always dressed in drab, outdated clothes.
Once, Arielle wore a dress to Meredith's birthday party. That night, she saw the vicious look in both Meredith and Sharon's eyes.
Sharon asked her if Arielle had done it on purpose—said it was Meredith's birthday party, so why was she trying to steal the spotlight?
Was she trying to embarrass her sister?
But it was just a basic dress on sale, nothing fancy. Arielle didn't understand how that counted as stealing the spotlight.
When Arielle tried to explain herself, Sharon slapped her across the face.
But when Arielle wore clothes that made her look older than her age, they'd toss her a couple compliments like, "Such a good girl."
Arielle used to believe Sharon had some special kind of taste when it came to her.
After all, what mom didn't love her own child, right? But Arielle had been wrong. Some moms really didn't.
Meanwhile, Meredith always wore the prettiest styles. She loved pink, always looking like a princess out of a fairytale.
And standing next to the princess, Arielle was just the maid.
Now, finally wearing clothes she actually liked, Arielle felt a joy she couldn't even put into words.
The coat wrapped around her slim figure, highlighting her elegant vibe. Her hair was pulled into a casual bun.
Arielle wasn't wearing any makeup—not even a cream. Her skin was so smooth you could see the pores.
That gorgeous face paired with the classy coat made Arielle look like she jumped straight off a fashion magazine cover.
To the saleswoman, Arielle looked even more beautiful than a celebrity. She gasped, "Wow, you look amazing!
"This outfit was made for you. I swear, no one else could pull this off like you do."
Even though they said stuff like that to customers all the time, this time, they actually meant it.
There was a chill to her aura, a clear "keep your distance" energy. No matter how much they gushed over her beauty, Arielle stayed distant and cool.
Arielle looked at her reflection in the mirror—so alive. 'This is nice.' She smiled at herself. 'Revenge is one thing, but I've still got a life to live, don't I?'
Then Arielle paid for the new clothes and walked out of the mall. She left an address for delivery—someone would take care of sending everything home.
After walking around all afternoon, her stomach felt totally empty.
Arielle suddenly remembered her favorite old steakhouse—Ogilvy Steakhousehouse. Luckily, it wasn't far—just a twenty-minute walk.
Arielle picked a window seat and sat down. It wasn't dinnertime yet, so the place wasn't crowded.
Arielle loved rare moments like this—so peaceful. If she had a book, she could've stayed there all day.
Across town, Meredith had just finished shopping and walked into the same steakhouse with a few girlfriends, designer bags in hand.
Perla stepped inside and immediately glanced toward the window seat.
"Ugh, too late. That's my favorite spot. I sit there every time," Perla said with a pout.
Meredith followed Perla's gaze—and her smile froze.
"What's wrong, Meredith?" asked Mya, who was holding onto her arm and noticed the sudden change in her face.
"Who's that?" Perla followed her line of sight, then pointed at the girl sitting by the window.
Meredith's eyes flickered, glassy with unshed tears. She grabbed both their arms and choked out in a whisper, "I—I don't want steak anymore…"
Just then, a waiter came over with a friendly smile. "Miss Sidel, welcome!
"Would you like a private room upstairs, or is there another seat you'd prefer?"
Perla waved him off. "It's fine. We'll just sit anywhere."
Once the waiter left, the three of them sat down at the nearest table.
"Who is she? You look scared of her," Perla asked.
Mya said, "Meredith, are we even your friends? Just tell us who she is. Whoever she is, we've got your back."
Meredith didn't respond, just shook her head and lowered it, biting her lip in panic. "Don't ask… If she sees me, I—I…"
Meredith stammered on "I" for a long time, but never managed to get the rest out.
The rest was left for her two friends to guess.
Suddenly, Perla had a lightbulb moment. She said, "Wait—is she that adopted girl who just came back?
"No way. Meredith, you're way too kind. She's just some foster kid and dares to bully you?"
Mya looked over at the figure by the window, her face full of disdain. "No wonder you changed your expression like that.
"And you've lost weight lately—I thought you were just dieting. So it's her fault, huh?"
Perla added, "Meredith, you're too soft. That's your house, your parents. What are you afraid of her for? Does she pick on you at home?
"Girl, don't worry. If she messes with you, we'll deal with her. This is ridiculous. Some village girl dares to step on the real daughter of the house?"
Perla slammed her hand on the table, furious, her eyes fixed on Arielle with pure hatred.
"There's three of us. What, we can't take her? Relax. Worst case, we yank her hair. Let's show her Meredith isn't someone to mess with," Mya added, already completely hating Arielle.
Mya said quickly, "Come on, let's go say hi."
The two of them dragged Meredith in Arielle's direction.
The steak had just arrived, still sizzling on the plate. It had been over ten years since Arielle last had it, and the smell alone made her heart flutter.
Arielle remembered the first time she had steak. Sharon and Meredith sat across from her.
Arielle mimicked the way they ate, holding a knife and fork, cutting her steak into little bites.
Sharon smiled and praised her. "Wow, look at you—you learn fast."
Hearing that, Meredith immediately put down her utensils, said she'd lost her appetite and the smell of beef was making her sick.
Sharon saw her face go pale and rushed her to the hospital for a check-up.
Of course, Arielle never even got to finish that steak. All she got was the smell before she had to tag along to the hospital.
After that, Arielle never ate steak with Sharon and Meredith again.
Later, when she started dating Gavin, Arielle finally got to enjoy the steak she'd been craving for so long.
'How do I not realize back then what a manipulative snake Meredith is?' Arielle muttered.
Snapping out of her thoughts, Arielle cut off a bite of steak and popped it into her mouth.
Arielle thought, 'Mmm—tasted just like I remember.'
In a great mood, Arielle started digging in, not caring at all about appearances.
Arielle was seriously starving. Honestly, she could've eaten three of those steaks.
"You're Arielle Bradford, right?" A mocking, disdainful voice suddenly rang out.
Arielle looked up and saw three girls heading her way—Perla, Mya. Meredith's besties.
'Wow. What a coincidence. And actually, Mya has a personal grudge against me, too,' Arielle thought.