<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Two dayster, Bonnie and Yvette ran into Janice at an upscale mall where Bonnie worked part–time. Janice was strolling around with a middle–aged man who had a bit of a belly and was balding. The two of them seemed close.</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Bonnie stared at Janice, who was all dressed up, then quickly looked away. She turned to Yvette, who was seated on the couch, and said, “Give me a minute, Yve. My shift just ended, and I’ll go change. Then we can meet up with Andrew.”</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Yvette, loungingfortably with her legs crossed, looked up. Her eyes sparkled faintly as she spoke, her voice calm and smooth, “Sure.”</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Bonnie smiled and was just about to leave when Janice’s voice rang out. “Hey, you, the salesperson! Bring that outfit over here. I want to try it on.”</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Hearing Janice’s voice, Bonnie let out a sigh. She thought, ‘Life has a way of throwing people you didn’t want to see right in your path, while those you missed stay just out of reach.</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Yvette didn’t move from her seat, watching Janice approach with a cool expression as if she were aplete stranger. It was only when Janice came closer that she noticed Yvette behind Bonnie and gasped. “What are you doing here?”</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Bonnie turned around to stare at Janice who looked utterly shocked. She worked hard to conceal the bitterness inside, keeping a polite smile as she said softly, “Hello. Let me know which outfit you like, and I’ll bring it over for you</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">When Janice noticed Bonnie’s uniform, she immediately understood that Bonnie was working part–time there. Her initial surprise quickly turned into disdain as she scoffed. To her, Bonnie’s refusal to use any “connections” meant she would stay low on the socialdder forever.</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Seeing Yvette’s indifferent expression, Janice felt a surge of anger. She couldn’t understand why anyone admired Yvette so much at Argrol University. Yvette was just a “top student with a pretty face. She thought, ‘What is all the fuss about?‘</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Realizing Jeremiah wasn’t around, Janice started scheming again. She was with her new sugar daddy, who had taken a particr interest in her. He had been generous and even had ties to the underground world–more than enough to handle someone like Yvette.</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Her sponsor even had a private jet. She thought, ‘Sure, Jeremiah might have some money, but my man is nothing to scoff at I’m gonna pay Yvette back for that kick in Dungo Vige!’</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Yvette raised her head, her brow furrowing slightly as a chill settled over her expression. Her eyes, cold and deep like ake, gave Janice a single frosty nce.</font></font>
<font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">That look made Janice’s grip on her bag so tight that she nearly tore it. She bit her lips. It was that same dismissive look that made her feel as insignificant as an insect in front of Yvette.</font></font>
With a huff, Janice threw herself onto the couch directly across from Yvette. Then, just to show off, she called the chubby man over, acting overly affectionate and addressing him as “darling” at every turn.
When the man, Ben Murphy, waddled over and caught sight of Yvette, his eyes lit up. Although he was speaking to Janice, he couldn’t stop sneaking nces at Yvette.
“Anything you like?” Ben said to Janice, “Whatever you want, I’ll get it for you. Money is not an issue. I’ll buy you a vi next time.
Janice froze, surprised by his sudden generosity. He hadn’t been thisvish yesterday. However, seeing the way his gaze kept drifting toward Yvette, a wave of panic hit her. Yvette wasn’t doing anything but sitting there, yet she still managed to steal all the attention.From N?velDrama.Org.
Janice leaned in closer to the man, deliberately brushing her breast against his. Sure enough, his attention shifted back to her. She pouted and said, “I want this girl to serve me, babe.”
Bonnie nced down at her watch. Her shift was officially over. Taking a deep breath, she responded calmly, “Excuse me, Miss, Sir, but my shift has ended. Another girl will assist you shortly.”
Hearing how Bonnie addressed her, Janice’s expression flickered with unease, but she quickly masked it with anger. She thought, ‘How dare Bonnie cut me off like this?‘
Janice fumed, “I don’t care if your shift is over. I’m demanding that you help me, or I’ll file aint.”
Ben dug into his ck bag, pulled out a thick wad of cash, and tossed it onto the table. He sneered, “You need to learn some respect. If I say you’re staying, you’re staying. Serve us well, and this tip is all yours.”
Seeing Ben back her up, Janice became even bolder. She figured that Yvette was silently watching because she was intimidated. She thought that Bonnie must finally see Yvette’s true colors–she wasn’t as impressive as she seemed.
Bonnie couldn’t believe Janice had stooped this low, but this was the final straw. Without losing herposure, she looked at Janice and replied calmly, “Whatever.”
Ben’s face twisted with irritation at Bonnie’s indifferent attitude. He had made his fortune in real estate during a lucky boom, bing a nouveau riche who was used to people catering to him.
Now, seeing a mere salesgirl act like she didn’t care, he shot up from the couch, raising his hand to p her.
Janice watched eagerly, hoping the p wouldnd hard. Bonnie deserved it in her eyes, and after Bonnie, she nned to deal with Yvette too–neither of them would get away.
However, just as Ben raised his hand, he was suddenly sent sprawling to the floor with a fierce kick. He hit the ground hard, smashing his lips and losing a front tooth. Groaning in pain, he clutched his mouth, wailing loudly.
Janice froze, a chill running through her as the scene struck an eerie familiarity. This was just like what had happened to her in Dungo Vige a few days ago when she had been knocked to the ground. Her body shook at the memory.
Ben red up at her, furious. “What are you looking at? Get over here and help me up!”
Janice quickly rushed forward to help Ben up, feigning concern. Are you alright, babe?”
Ben, whose speech was slurred by the missing tooth, red at her in frustration. “Can’t you see? I’m… I’m missing my tooth… It’s gone!”
Putting on a sympathetic face, Janice cooed, “Oh, babe, does it hurt? I saw it all. It was that woman, Yvette, who kicked you. She’s the one to me! You can’t let her get away with it!”
Ben shot a furious look at Yvette, his pride wounded as much as his lips. He thought, ‘Is she trained in boxing or something? How could she kick that hard?’
Seething, Ben shouted, “How dare you kick me? I know people in high ces, and I won’t let you go easily. Have you ever heard of the Chambers family? Top dogs in Seacrity. I know the head of the family and trust me, you’re finished.”
Bonnie’s face showed a flicker of surprise and amusement when Ben mentioned the Chambers family. She thought, The Chambers family? Is he stupid? Did he even realize he was saying this in front of the daughter of Mr. Chambers?