Katelyn’s eyes burned with annoyance. She wasn’t really bothered by Zoey wearing the dress without permission, but altering it was a whole different issue. Everyone at the event was dressed with grace and sophistication, but among the crowd, Zoey’s outfit was the most daring, awkwardly out of place in the formal setting and radiating an almost unnecessary boldness. The neckline was so extreme that it seemed on the verge of revealing more than it should at any moment.

Anxiously, Zoey explained, “I’ve tried my hand at dress design before. I thought this tweak would improve the whole look. If it’s not to your liking, I can always fix it.” Her defense felt flimsy at best.

Katelyn held back her frustration and took a closer look at Zoey. “It’s not just the neckline—you’ve changed the hem of the skirt and the waistline, too!”

Katelyn’s figure was slim, and the dress had been tailored to fit her perfectly. Zoey, who was slightly larger, wouldn’t have been able to wear the dress without these adjustments.

Her face drained of color, and she took a step back. “Look, I had no dress to wear for this occasion, so I borrowed one from your wardrobe. I know I shouldn’t have altered it, but I just wanted a chance to be a part of this event.”

Katelyn exhaled slowly.

She had helped Zoey get in, hoping to offer her the opportunity she so desperately wanted. But at that moment, everything Zoey did felt like a letdown.

“This dress is the first gown I designed on my own, and it means a lot to me. I didn’t even choose to wear it to the banquet today, yet not only did you wear it, but you also altered it,” Katelyn spoke with a cold stare and a steady voice. “Maybe I shouldn’t have tried to help, just because of how long we’ve known each other. After tonight, return the dress. There’s an employee dormitory at the Adams Group you can stay in starting tomorrow.”

Katelyn had always approached situations with a composed and measured manner, but now, Zoey had truly crossed the line.

LΑττ chαρτ?rs ιn glov?l.

Zoey froze, tears welling up in her eyes. “You’re sending me away? Only because I wore your dress?”

She couldn’t believe Katelyn would be so upset over a dress. What she didn’t realize was that Katelyn had already made up her mind earlier that day to ask Zoey to leave. Though the internship at the Adams Group didn’t offer much pay, it covered meals and accommodation, which was enough for Zoey to get by until her first paycheck.

A single tear slipped down Zoey’s cheek as she clutched her chest, sobbing. “If you want the dress back, I’ll pull it off right now, but please don’t dismiss me. I don’t have anything… I…”

Zoey frantically searched for an excuse, still unable to understand what she had really done wrong.

Katelyn slowly shook her head, her disappointment deepening. “I’ll give you some extra money to get by until you get your paycheck. You’ve finished university; you don’t need my support anymore.” Katelyn spoke with a calm, unwavering tone. Each word seemed to strike Zoey with the force of a heavy hammer.

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