Chapter 3

"My uncle's company is looking to hire a clerk. The requirements are fairly simple. You just need to know how to use a computer.

"It doesn't pay well, but at least it's an honest job. It's far better than what you used to…" Greg trailed off meaningfully.

"That's right!" Janice instantly chimed in with feigned sympathy. "Although men abroad might have a thing for Carsinian women, they're only interested in fooling around with them.

"We're all classmates here, Irene. If you need help, please let us know.

"Considering your situation… I mean, since you never attended college and don't even have decent clothes to wear, you won't even be able to go for a job interview. Why don't I take you shopping on another day for some more suitable clothes? If you don't have the money, I can lend you some.

"After all, you used to be the top student in our grade. I feel so bad to see that you've ended up like this."

Samuel remained silent, but he tightened his grip around his wine glass as he stared darkly at me. Meanwhile, his new girlfriend, whom I later found out was named Tina Upton, couldn't stay quiet anymore.

Snorting, she leaned forward with an air of superiority and blatant derision.

"Irene Stewart, right? I heard about you before. They say you used to follow Samuel around everywhere like a pathetic simp. You did his homework, took notes for him, and even dealt with the teachers for him, right? That must've been so hard on you."

Tina paused, savoring the looks of ridicule from the rest of my classmates.

"But I guess you still had some semblance of self-awareness left. You and Samuel were worlds apart. You knew there couldn't possibly be a future between you two, so you ran off, huh? But it seems like you haven't done too well for yourself.

"Well, Samuel is now running his family's company, Nelson Group. I've just taken over the reins of my family's fashion brand as well. We're in talks to collaborate with a top international design house. If you're struggling, we can help you."

I calmly sipped my water before replying, "No thanks. That won't be necessary."

Tina glanced at me scornfully before saying in a smug tone, "I'm guessing you're unaware of what I can do. Have you heard of Lumina?

"It's a rising Farvian luxury jewelry brand. Their head designer is a genius who won international awards back in Barie.

"She's both brilliant and extremely enigmatic. I had to pull many strings just to establish a connection with her. I'm hoping to get her to design an accessories collection for my family's brand. If she agrees, our collaboration will definitely make a mark on the entire fashion industry!

"When the time comes, I could easily toss you a few crumbs with just a snap of my fingers."

Everyone in the room immediately gasped in awe and began showering Tina with flattery.

"I know about Lumina. Their pieces are impeccably designed!"

"I heard that their designer is incredible. She's got an exceptionally keen eye. Most people couldn't even dream of catching her attention!"

"You're so well-connected, Ms. Upton! It's so impressive that you managed to work with a designer of such high calibre. Only someone like you is worthy of being with Samuel!"

Tina lifted her chin proudly as she relished everyone's sycophantic remarks. She'd said all those things for the sole purpose of achieving this outcome.

"What's the name of the designer? Is she really so amazing?" someone asked curiously.

"She goes by the initials I.S., but I heard her last name is Stewart, and she's a Carsinian, too," Tina said as she continued to brag about the designer. "She's said to be young but extremely talented. She holds a very high standing in the design industry back in Farvia.

"It won't be easy for a niche brand like mine to collaborate with her, but I'm confident I will succeed!"

Leaning affectionately against Samuel, she asked, "Don't you think so, Samuel?"

Samuel responded with a half-hearted hum. His eyes were still glued to my face. They seemed to be filled with hatred. He refused to look away or say anything.

The others continued to taunt and jeer me in order to suck up to Tina.

I simply took another sip of water, looking completely unbothered.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

A young woman in a fitted business suit came in with a stack of files in her hands. She had a respectful but slightly hurried expression on her face as she said, "I apologize for the interruption, Ms. Upton.

"I'm bringing over the urgent documents for the Lumina project that you asked for. As for the designer—"

Tina quickly interjected, "How is it going with the designer? What did she say? Has she agreed to meet with us to discuss the collaboration in more detail?"