“Hey! He’s been gone for quite a while now.


    Are you so unwilling to part with him?”


    Phillis sauntered over to Dulcie, hands shoved arrogantly into her pockets to mask her inner turmoil, and smiled wryly.


    Dulcie snapped back to reality and turned to face Phillis.


    Despite everything, she was still on duty, and Phillis was a diner here.


    Dulcie bowed politely and asked, “Miss Perez, is there something you need?”


    “Must I have a reason to speak with you? You stole my fiancé right from under my nose.


    How can you stand there so self-righteously?”


    Dulcie shot back, “I recall Mr.


    Shaw mentioning you were on a blind date, not engaged.


    Besides, you saw it yourself.


    He was the one who pulled me away.


    I didn’t snatch him from you at all.


    ”


    Hearing this, Phillis red at Dulcie icily, remaining silent for a long time.


    Seeing this, Dulcie said, “Miss Perez, if there’s nothing else, I’ll return to my work.


    ”


    She intended to finish her shift and then inform the restaurant manager of her decision to quit.


    Having only worked there for three days, she was ready to forgo her pay.


    The prospect of going out with Kyson was a golden opportunity, and she cared little for anything else.


    She turned to leave, but after a few steps, Phillis blocked her path, asking softly, “You’re not a local, are you? Did youe from another country to work?”


    “That’s my business, not yours.


    ”Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    “Fair enough.


    I’m just curious,” Phillis replied, stepping closer and lowering her voice.


    “Considering your job here, it’s safe to say you’re not exactly rolling in dough, right? I heard you’re going out with Kyson.


    He’s a big shot from a very affluent family.


    Do you know the rules for dating someone like him?”


    “Rules? What rules are you talking about?”


    Dulcie was puzzled.


    She had no idea there were specific rules for dating among Cadiered’s elite.


    Phillis adopted an air of worldly wisdom and patted Dulcie’s shoulder, looking earnest.


    “It’s your first official date, and he’ll definitely give you a gift.


    Whatever it is, it’ll be very expensive.


    You’re expected to reciprocate with a gift of equal value.


    Unfortunately, Luxury items for men cost a pretty penny, often tens of thousands of dors.


    Are you sure you can afford that?”


    Dulcie lowered her head.


    She knew the answer all too well.


    She couldn’t afford it.


    Despite working in Cadiered for four years and earning a decent wage at the aquarium, Stastle was a premier city where the wealthy congregated.


    Her monthly sry barely covered living expenses and rent, leaving her with almost no savings.


    Besides, she had informed the head of the aquarium of her intention to resign a few days prior, yet her sry for the previous month remained unpaid.


    She was still burdened with the worry of how she would cover the rent for the uing month.


    Affording such an extravagant gift was out of the question.