She thought to herself, “Does Katelyn really think I’m some clueless fool? I’ve read enough about the upper class to know how these events work. If Katelyn truly wants me there, there are countless ways she could make it happen. This excuse is nothing but a flimsy cover. She just doesn’t want me to go. She’s afraid I’ll outshine her, that I might find my way into a better life.”
Zoey’s teeth clenched, her anger sharpening like a blade. A trace of reluctance still lingered in her expression. “But Katelyn, I really want to be there. Couldn’t you just tell them I’m your assistant? I’m sure you have the power to help me make this dream a reality.”
Katelyn’s eyebrows tightened, a clear sign of her growing frustration. She’d noticed that brief, pleading look in Zoey’s eyes. Hadn’t she been clear enough? Did Zoey truly not understand?
“It’s not that I don’t want to take you. It’s just today isn’t the right time.” Katelyn studied Zoey’s face carefully, noting the uncertainty in her expression. They had only recently started interacting more closely after some previous online exchanges. But she was beginning to see that Zoey wasn’t quite as simple as she first seemed.
Out of respect for their long acquaintance, Katelyn decided to offer Zoey a chance. She then said, “In a few days, the Adams Group is having a new product launch. You could attend as an employee.”
“If you want to expand your horizons, there’s plenty to learn there.”
Zoey pressed her lips together, swallowing the frustration building inside her. How could a product launch ever compare to an exclusive high-society banquet? No one at the product launch would care about her presence; their eyes would be fixed on the sparkling jewelry instead.
Zoey opened her mouth to argue but froze when she caught the coldness etched into Katelyn’s expression. She immediately stopped herself, realizing that pushing the matter further would only provoke Katelyn. For now, she couldn’t afford to lose Katelyn’s support.
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Forcing a smile, Zoey spoke through clenched teeth. “Alright, I’ll accept that. But hey, I’ve got a gift for you.”
Katelyn’s gaze flicked away dismissively as she replied, “You’ve just started working, and you haven’t even been paid yet. Keep your money; there’s no need for gifts for me.”
Zoey’s humble background meant that most of her earnings went straight to supporting her family. Katelyn was well aware of Zoey’s financial struggles, but to Zoey, Katelyn’s words felt more like quiet contempt. She clenched her teeth, suppressing the bitterness bubbling inside her.
“So what if she is a designer and has Vincent’s support? Who does she think she is? Pretending to be above me when she’s nothing special. If the Bailey family hadn’t taken her in years ago, Katelyn’s life wouldn’t have been any better than mine.”
With a practiced smile that masked her frustration, Zoey took out the gift she had prepared. “No, it’s not much. I can’t afford anything fancy right now, but this is a small gesture to thank you. Once I start earning more, I’ll make sure to give you something worthy of your kindness.”
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