Chapter 3

"Is that Lyrik?" Seraphina asked in a surprised tone as she tugged on Liam's sleeve and pointed in my direction.

He looked panicked when he saw me, before it turned into shameful anger.

I calmly raised my glass to them and took a graceful sip of whiskey.

"This tramp actually followed us!" muttered Seraphina under her breath.

Liam jumped to his feet and stormed towards my table. He looked full of rage.

"Lyrik, what the hell are you doing? How dare you follow us?" he asked, his voice shook with anger.

"Following you?"

I let out a chuckle and continued, "Aren't you mistaken, Liam?"

Seraphina walked over in heels, sat across from me, and smiled smugly.

"I'm curious, Lyrik. How did you get in here? Laurel Manor isn't a place where anyone can enter. Did you use Liam's membership and pretended to be his mate?" she asked, drawing out her words on purpose.

Liam turned red with fury. He asked, "What? Why would I ever bring her here?"

In his eyes, even after seven years together, bringing me to a place like Laurel Manor would have been an insult to his status.

"That's strange. Lyrik shouldn't have the right to get in here alone," she said while looking at me thoughtfully.

Realization dawned on Liam. His gaze turned scornful and he asked, "What tricks did you use to sneak in, Lyrik?"

"I think I know. For girls like you to enter high society, you always need a certain… special method," she said, her voice dripping with malice.

Guests at nearby tables started whispering.

"I understand. Not everyone has the right bloodline or family, but relationships like that never last long," she went on sweetly.

Liam looked at me. He asked in a cutting tone, "When did you become like this, Lyrik? Chasing vanity and willing to stoop this low. I can't believe you're my mate who I wasted seven years with. No wonder you wanted to break up with me last night. You must have found a richer man."

"Are you two done?" I finally replied. My voice was terrifyingly calm.

"We're not judging you, Lyrik. We just think you should face reality," said Seraphina with mock concern.

I stood and asked, "Are you done? If you're finished, then leave. I'll say this for the last time. Liam and I are over. If you want trash like him, you can have him, Seraphina!"

"What did you say? I can bring you here another time if you really want to be here. You don't need to sneak in, and don't you dare disrespect Seraphina.

"Besides, your bloodline could never compare to hers. She's a Highborn, and you're nothing more than an ordinary Omega!" Liam exclaimed as he furiously grabbed my arm and pointed at Seraphina.

Seraphina giggled and said, "Don't be so defensive, Lyrik. Liam and I are just friends. Oh, I forgot to tell you. I pulled some strings and got Liam a marketing director position at the Apex Group."

She turned to me and gave me a provoking look.

The Apex Group was the most powerful business empire in North America.

"He starts tomorrow," said Seraphina.

She paused deliberately and continued, "A company of that level demands real competence and power. I can help Liam. What can you do?"

"Liam's future has nothing to do with me. Bragging about it is meaningless," I fought back calmly.

Liam seemed convinced I was only mad at him. He kept yapping and said, "Don't say things like that while I still have feelings for you. We're more than qualified to work at the Apex Group because of the capabilities of our bloodline."

His tone was full of arrogance.

I could not help but laugh. I said, "Let's see how long you two can last. People with no morals don't stay at the top for long."

"Are you comparing yourself to us, you Omega? Lyrik, you're not thinking about getting into Apex Group too, are you? A place like that doesn't let prostitutes in," said Seraphina with a spiteful gaze.

I sneered and mocked, "Funny, that sounds like projection. Maybe you're the one trading yourself for resources. Why else would you spread rumors so easily?"

Seraphina flushed with rage and pointed at me, stuttering, "You… You…"

I ignored her and walked straight to the elevator.

I finally saw Liam for who he was. He was not worth another ounce of my love.

I only blamed myself for not realizing sooner that he was only a shallow man.

The elevator doors closed, shutting out their voices.

I pulled out my phone and checked out the official website of the Apex Group.

There was a posting on the careers page, the executive assistant to the CEO. I applied without hesitation and uploaded my resume.

It was not to prove anything to anyone, but to begin a new life on my own terms. Not by any connections, nor shameful shortcuts, but with my capabilities.

The notification tone chimed when I sent my application successfully. It sounded clear and determined.

The next morning, I woke to the buzz of my phone.

The caller ID showed that it was from the Apex Group.