The screen lit up with an incoming call from Zoey. Katelyn stared at it for a moment before she finally swiped to accept the call.

Zoey’s elated voice practically exploded through the phone. “Katelyn, I did it! I passed the second interview and got the internship at Adams Group!”

Katelyn had already expected this outcome. She had taken the time to ask about the second interview, which was straightforward enough—nothing too intense. The real hurdle, though, would be securing a permanent position in just two months.

Katelyn spoke quietly. “Make sure you give it your all; you’ll need to prove you’re worth keeping around.” But even as she spoke, her eyes flickered with a trace of uncertainty. Did Zoey really call just to share the news?

Sure enough, Zoey’s voice piped up again. “It’s already lunchtime and I haven’t had anything to eat. On top of that, I’m broke.”

Zoey was plotting something. That morning, she had noticed Katelyn preparing her lunch, carefully wrapping it before slipping it into her bag and taking it to the office. If she could join them, it might give her a chance to get closer to Vincent and seize an opportunity.

“Katelyn, can I have lunch with you?” Zoey asked.

Katelyn’s eyes dropped to the food she and Vincent had already started sharing. In an even voice, she said, “There’s an employee cafeteria downstairs. You’ll find plenty to eat there.”

“But I don’t have an employee ID badge yet, so I can’t go to the cafeteria. Katelyn, your cooking is so good—I really love it. I won’t take much, just a little,” Zoey’s voice drifted through the phone.

It was loud enough for Vincent to hear every word. Katelyn didn’t have the phone on speaker, but their seats were close enough for Zoey’s words to carry.

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Vincent’s response was brisk and cold. “I’ll have Samuel bring her an employee ID badge right away.”

Zoey, of course, picked up on his comment instantly. With an ID badge, she’d have full access—not just to the cafeteria, but also to move around the company without restrictions.

Katelyn lowered her voice. “Stay at your desk. Samuel will come find you soon.”

She wasn’t against Zoey dropping by, but her and Vincent’s lunch was already halfway gone. Sharing leftovers didn’t sit right with Katelyn.

Zoey, however, didn’t see it that way. Her gaze lingered, hopeful but filled with reluctance.

“But, Katelyn, I really want to eat your cooking,” she said.

Katelyn, wanting to find the right balance between understanding and reason, replied, “The food’s almost gone. You’ll have to eat at the company today.”

Zoey hesitated, clearly unhappy with the answer, but after a moment, let out a resigned sigh.

“Alright then,” she muttered, her disappointment clear.

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