Semua Bab Sorry Boys, You're On Payroll: Bab 1 - Bab 10

Across from me sat Timothy and Henry.The cafeteria went dead quiet.Every eye locked on me.Adrian reached over and tucked the loose strand behind my ear, frowning. "You're eating that?"I kept my head down and took two bites. "I'm broke. This is what I can afford."The four of them traded a quick look.Disdain flashed in their eyes—gone just as fast, replaced with polished smiles.***Timothy flipped the switch fast and grabbed my hand. "With that face? You're eating leftovers?"Before I could answer, he hauled me out, shoved me into a glossy black luxury car, and drove straight to Alverton's priciest five-star Michelin spot.I went still.Wasn't this basically my cafeteria?The head chef? My parents brought him back from Francia. On paper, he owned the place. In reality, he cooked for me.The second we walked in, the manager rushed over, ready to say, "Miss Blan—"I gave a tiny shake of my head.He swallowed and said, "This way, please."Finley pulled out a chair, al

Henry nudged his glasses up, a shadowed smile on his lips. "Buying stuff? Boring. Making her pay it back ten, a hundred times—that's the fun part."The live chat blew up:[Getting emotional over crumbs? I'm dead][When she finds out it's fake she's gonna lock herself in the bathroom and sob][You better stream the meltdown. I'm waiting.]Chloe lit up at the camera, all sugar and fake innocence. "Next Monday's the grand finale! Eight p.m., open-air theater—live broadcast of 'Cinderella Gets Dumped.'"I smiled.Perfect. Monday was the day I reported back to Dad.The next few days, they were tense. Kept asking if I loved them.I leaned into each one, eyes soft, like I'd hand over my whole heart.Just enough to keep them calm.A few days later, my dorm entrance was drowning in flowers.Four bouquets. Four letters. Same line in every one: Monday, 8 p.m. Don't be late.That day, I got dressed. "Carefully."The gown they "gave" me. The "expensive" jewelry they'd sold back to me.

Adrian went sheet white."Finley Gibson. Finance prodigy." Page two. "Insider trading. Stock manipulation. Enough to send you straight to prison."Finley dropped to the ground."Timothy Jenner. Award-winning actor." I looked straight at him. "Tax evasion. A messy, all-over-the-place love life. Once that goes public? Your career's done."Timothy's face went green."Henry Heimlich. Medical genius." I closed the file. "Academic fraud. Fabricated experimental data. You think the medical field's still gonna want you?"Henry took off his glasses and shut his eyes.The crowd went dead silent.The livestream comments blew up:[Holy—holy—holy—!][That twist came out of nowhere!][I knew she had class!][Chloe's finished!][Those four clowns are done too!]I walked toward Chloe. She stumbled back."You impersonated me. Wore my clothes. My jewelry. Humiliated me online." I gave her a small smile. "So how should I handle you?"She dropped to her knees and grabbed my legs. "Serena—n

"No, no." He waved it off. "Just asking."I narrowed my eyes. That tone meant something."Get some rest." He headed for the study. "You're coming to the company tomorrow.""Why?""To watch those four work." He didn't look back. "First day on the job. I should check in."I leaned back on the couch, already looking forward to tomorrow.***At seven sharp, I walked into Blanchet Tower.The security guard snapped a salute. "Morning, Miss Blanchet.""They here?""Yes. Basement level."I took the elevator down. Even before the doors opened, I heard arguing."Why am I cleaning toilets?" Timothy's voice echoed. "I'm an award-winning actor!""And?" Mr. Faust, their supervisor, sneered. "Down here, you're a janitor.""Do you know what I get paid per movie?""Don't know. Don't care." Mr. Faust shoved a mop into his hands. "Work. Or we dock your pay."I leaned against the wall and watched.Adrian wiped windows. Finley mopped. Henry hauled out trash.All four looked wrecked. None

The door opened.All four stepped in.Clean clothes. Same tired faces."Need something?" I didn't look up."We want to talk," Adrian said."About what?""About... us."I set my pen down and finally looked at them. "What's left to say?""We know we were wrong," Finley said. "We really do.""You know now?" I smiled. "Little late.""Give us a chance," Timothy said. "Let us make it right.""How?""We'll work," Henry said. "We'll prove it."I leaned back and studied them.Their eyes were steady. This was just the start."Fine. Prove it. Then we'll talk."All four exhaled."However," I added, "one condition.""What?""Starting today, you each write a daily work journal. What you learned. What you realized.""A journal?" Adrian frowned."Problem?""We're willing," they said at the same time."Good. Bring them tomorrow." I waved them off.They headed out.At the door, Finley stopped and looked back. "Blair.""Yes?""I'm sorry."I didn't answer. Just nodded.The doo