Chapter 2

After wrapping up my night shift and handing things off, I hopped on the subway back to campus.

Right after my first class, my South Borian roommate texted me. She had something urgent and wanted me to cover her shift for half a day.

She worked at a fancy boutique selling luxury brands.

After class, I headed straight to the mall. I had just clocked in when Alex showed up with Sophie.

Sophie covered her mouth, staring at me like she couldn't believe it. "Seriously, Emily? You're working here too? Are you really that desperate for cash?"

She switched gears, flashing a smug smile. "Honestly, you shouldn't try to act rich when you're not. Don't you know your place?

"With your family background, you shouldn't study abroad like the rich kids. No wonder you're exhausted. You totally brought this on yourself."

My coworker saw what was happening and came over, whispering, "If you're not comfortable, I can take care of them for you."

I nodded, grateful. "Thanks."

But as she was about to step forward, Alex pointed at me, making it clear he wasn't taking no for an answer. "Let her do it."

So I had no choice but to go over and help them myself.

Alex lounged on the couch, pointed at the display case, and said, "Anything Sophie likes, have her try it all."

Sophie's eyes sparkled. She immediately pointed at the row of bags behind me. "That one, that one, those up there. Actually, let me try the whole shelf."

I gathered up the bags and placed them in front of her.

She grabbed two at random, turned to Alex, and cooed, "Alex, which one do you think suits me better?"

He barely glanced over and said coolly, "Wrap them all up. We'll take the lot you brought out."

Sophie froze for a second, then her face suddenly lit up with excitement.

She lifted her chin smugly at me, a triumphant look on her face. "Did you hear that? Wrap them all up for me."

I nodded. "Sure, just a moment."

But in the back of my mind, I couldn't help remembering how, back in high school, Sophie always acted so superior, looking down on me for chasing money.

As I was about to turn away, Alex's voice stopped me: "Emily, did I say you could leave?"

I stopped and put on a smile. "Mr. Foster, is there anything else you need?"

He pointed at the shoe rack next to me. "Those shoes look nice. Have Sophie try them on."

Then he added, his tone firm, "You put them on her yourself."

I smiled. "Of course, that's what we're here for."

As I was heading to the stockroom to grab the new shoes, my coworker stopped me. "Emily, want me to handle it for you?"

I shook my head, politely refusing her help.

"They specifically came for me today, but don't worry, it doesn't bother me at all. With all the stuff they're buying, I'm getting a nice chunk of commission," I said.

Once she saw I was totally fine, she nodded and left, looking relieved.

I bent beside the couch and helped Sophie slip on the shoes.

Sophie beamed as she showed them off to Alex. "Alex, do they look good on me?"

Alex gave a half-hearted nod, barely paying attention.

He gestured toward the mirror. "Go check yourself out over there."

Sophie walked off, grinning ear to ear.

I was picking up the mess on the floor, when Alex suddenly spoke up. "Emily, if you hadn't left back then, everything Sophie has now would be yours.

"You wouldn't have to bust your ass working here. You're so into money. Don't you ever regret it?"

I looked up, locking eyes with him.

I spoke slowly, "Yeah, I do love money. But I love the kind I earn with my own hard work and smarts, not charity or someone else's pity.

"If you're doing all this to make me regret my decision, you're barking up the wrong tree. Alex, I've never regretted it."