Chapter 141

One of Leslie's well-dressed friends suddenly asked, "Phoebe, why don't you

open them now? We're all curious to see what everyone got you."

Several others chimed in, agreeing enthusiastically. Leslie's circle was made up of wealthy, influential people. They had spent good money on their gifts, and

naturally, they wanted to show off in front of Phoebe.

As for whether it might embarrass those who couldn't afford expensive presents? That wasn't their problem.

To them, if you were broke, you deserved to be exposed. Humiliation was just a reminder that you didn't belong in their world. Read complete version only at finḑnovel.net

Phoebe hesitated, clearly uncomfortable. But with Leslie and his friends pressuring her, and with no one daring to object, she was left with no choice.

Reluctantly, she agreed.

One by one, she started unwrapping the gifts.

The first one she opened was a sleek little box from one of Leslie's friends. Inside was the latest smartphone, a high-end model that cost a fortune.

Gasps filled the room.

If Leslie's friend was giving gifts like this, just how loaded was Leslie himself? Anyone hoping to get into his circle had better be prepared to spend big.

Meanwhile, those who had brought more modest gifts shifted uncomfortably in their seats.

Even Thomas's face darkened. His gift had been decent, but it now looked embarrassingly underwhelming compared to a brand-new iPhone.

Phoebe was just as surprised. She frowned slightly and said gently, "This is too much. I can't accept something this expensive."

The guy just laughed. "Come on. I'm giving this to Leslie's future wife. There's no such thing as 'too expensive.""

His words sent a ripple of tension through the room. It was clear he was pushing the idea that Phoebe and Leslie were practically a done deal.

After that, everyone else felt the pressure.

The second gift was a high-tech smart water bottle worth around three hundred dollars. It wasn't as flashy, but definitely practical. It brought some relief-at least not everything had to be ridiculously extravagant.

The next few gifts followed a similar pattern, ranging from a couple hundred to about five hundred dollars. Some were elegant, some were useful, but nothing too over-the-top. The tension eased slightly as it became clear that not everyone had dropped a fortune on their presents.

But Jack wasn't relaxed at all. Even the cheapest gift so far had been at least a hundred dollars. His gift definitely didn't make the cut.

He could already imagine the looks he'd get when his turn came. The judgment, the whispers.

Jack was never afraid of being embarrassed. But this was different. This was Phoebe. And Feena was right there, too. No way was he getting humiliated in front of them.

Especially with Leslie and Mia waiting for the perfect opportunity to tear him down.

Then, it was Wesley's turn. His gift was a high-end music box worth about five hundred dollars. It could connect to a computer and function like a mini karaoke machine. Not bad-definitely thoughtful and not cheap.

Then came Thomas's turn. He confidently presented a crystal bracelet that sparkled under the lights. Smugly, he explained, "This is a limited-edition Swazki piece I brought back from Euphoria. You can't even buy it here. It's worth at least three grand."

The girls at the table swooned over it, gushing about how perfectly it suited Phoebe.

Next was Feena. She had picked out a designer handbag worth around two thousand dollars-something Phoebe had always wanted. The moment Phoebe held it, her face lit up. She loved it.

Then came Leslie's gift. And this one? Everyone knew it would be big.

Just from the elegant wrapping, it was clear whatever was inside was expensive.

Phoebe carefully opened the box. Inside lay a sleek car key. The unmistakable BMW logo gleamed under the light.

A sharp gasp swept through the room. Even some of Leslie's rich friends looked stunned when they found out Leslie had gifted Phoebe a BMW car.