Chapter 5
She paused, shooting a pointed look my way.]
“Savannah here used to help my boyfriend so much back in school.”
“I heard she doesn’t have steady work right now. For old time’s sake. I’d love to help her find something stable.“[]
Dead silence for a beat, then even louder laughter and agreement.[]
“Oh honey, don’t you dare! Being kind is great, but that girl and her family are straight–up toxic!”
“Right! You guys don’t know–when she disappeared, her parents came to school and went absolutely psychol Rolling around on the ground, camping outside the principal’s office screaming that the school kidnapped their daughter! Even got local news Involved! The whole thing was mortifying!”
“Exactly! Her whole family’s unhinged! Tina, your design company is just getting started–this is crunch time. What if her parents show up at your office causing drama?”
Tina put on this shocked, grateful expression.[]
“Oh wow, really? Sorry Savannah, looks like I can’t help after all. You understand–my design company is still finding its footing. Can’t risk the kind of chaos you and your family bring.”
She deliberately scooted closer to Dylan, like being near me might curse her or something.
Dylan just kept staring at me. His lips twitched like he wanted to say something, but he clenched his jaw and stayed silent.]
Everyone was watching me like I was some freak show–all superiority and contempt.
I honestly didn’t get why she kept trying to force jobs on me.
But I stayed calm, repeating what I’d already said.[]
“Thanks, but I have a job.“]
Tina sighed. “Whatever you’re doing, you should probably quit. Being young and pretty only gets you so far, and long–term…. that job will cause health problems.“]
More nasty laughter all around.[]
The assistant laughed too, but when she looked at me, her professional smile suddenly froze completely.[]
The thick stack of urgent Lumina project files she was holding crashed to the floor with a loud thud, white papers scattering everywhere.]]
The room went dead silent.[]
Tina looked pissed. “What the hell? Can’t you handle some basic files?”
But the assistant totally ignored her, pointing at me in complete shock
“Designer Lane?! What… what are you doing
