Chapter 8 288 ( Vouchers Chapter 8 Holding her tongue this long had already tested her patience . As far as she was concerned , Yvette had been rude earlier by not even greeting them properly . She continued , " And she even had Harry thrown out . How could she do such a thing ? Can't she even take a joke ? " Serena's smile tightened almost imperceptibly . " That's right . At least she should join us for the cake . Why is she so out of place ? " Just then . another voice chimed in , laced with bitterness and envy . It was Marianne Henson , the prettiest girl in Class 1. Though she didn't come from a prestigious family , her innocent looks and top grades had won her plenty of attention , especially from boys . Roderick was one of her suitors . Proud and aloof , she had never accepted any of his advances , always thinking of him as a mere friend . But the moment she laid eyes on Yvette , an instinctual rivalry flared within her . Though Yvette's face wasn't revealed , her captivating eyes alone seemed to charm everyone present . She carried herself with elegance - tall , gracefully curved , with a slender waist , every movement reflecting refinement and poise . It was a presence few boys could ignore . Marianne had keenly noticed how the boys ' gazes shifted when Yvette appeared . A hot wave of jealousy surged through her . Hearing Marianne's words , several boys immediately started hooting and hollering " Yeah , what's she doing hiding upstairs ? " " Should we send someone to bring her down ? ' " Rena , it's your birthday . Why isn't she here celebrating with everyone ? She's totally disrespecting you . " " And she's showing no respect to Mr. Lester and Mr. Schmitt , either . " In the eyes of these boys , both Clifford and Everett were here out of support for Serena . For 06:41 Chapter 8 :. 11 288 Wochens their sake alone , Yvette ought to make an appearance . Yet her absence felt like a deliberate snub . Did she even want to be part of their world ? Serena quickly explained , " Guys , calm down . She ... She isn't feeling well and needs to get some rest . Let's not make a big deal out of it , alright ? " But to them , her explanation sounded like nothing more than an excuse . Everett frowned slightly , his expression darkening . He was on the verge of losing his temper when , suddenly , Raymond's voice came calmly through the speakers . " Have you finished with the cake ? " Assuming Raymond was about to announce some important follow - up to the party , they smiled , " Not yet . " A few even turned to Serena with curious excitement and asked , " Rena , what's the surprise next ? " They still remembered Janelle's birthday party earlier that year - right after the cake was cut she had given every guest the latest iPhone . Everyone was still amazed by how generous was . Now , given how important Serena clearly was to the Duckworth family , they could only imagine her gifts would be even more impressive . Marianne wrestled with her curiosity , careful not to betray her family's modest means . But inwardly , she longed badly for another new iPhone . The one she had received at Janelle's party had been snatched away by her good - for - nothing brother and gifted to his girlfriend . Serena smiled confidently . Roderick had also attended Janelle's celebration . Though he had something to do at the last minute and had gone out with Alfredo , she was certain he had already given Raymond detailed instructions . Everything must have been prepared perfectly . She took a deep breath and flashed a graceful smile , ready to give another brief speech after Raymond announced the surprise . Just then , Raymond nodded . Holding the microphone , he said , " Oh , so you've finished the cake ? Very well . Ms. Padilla's birthday party is over Thank you all for coming . Now , you may leave . " 06:41 Chapter 8 11 283 rasters Immediately , Yvette's words , " I hope I'm not spoiling anything , " echoed in Serena's mind , and she finally realized what Yvette had meant . Serena clutched her fists so tightly that her knuckles turned white , fighting to suppress the awkwardness and embarrassment in her heart . " Raymond , this isn't funny ... " What Raymond had said was tantamount to kicking her classmates out . These spoiled trust fund kids were notorious for their volatile tempers , and Raymond could never afford to offend them . She hoped Raymond was savvy enough to pick up on her cue . Meanwhile , she looked at Clifford with anticipation . After all , he had always been keen to speak up for her . To her disappointment , Raymond said , deadpan , " I'm sorry , but I'm only carrying out Ms. Hawley's orders . She stated that allowing you to finish the cake was already a sign of respect to Mr. Lester and Mr. Schmitt . ' " 1 06:41 Chapter 9 288 Vouchers Chapter 9