Chapter 2

Soon, it got even crazier.

When I wanted to tell the truth, Pamela went live ahead of schedule just to cement my reputation as the Poop Queen.

For three whole months, she kept roasting me online and built up her account.

And every time I got rejected from another job, it became more gossip fodder for her streams.

After that, to get more followers, she deliberately framed me and milked her fans for sympathy.

Her fans hyped her up, and in the end, she threw me out for good.

Broke and alone, I wandered the streets and died a miserable death.

"Lydia, I'm talking to you. Are you really going to slave away for some homewrecker like her?" Pamela's voice was so smug it made my ears hurt.

I rubbed my ears, then quickly turned my monitor so Pamela couldn't snoop anymore.

Then, I quickly typed out: [Princess, your adorable sidekick, Lydia is reporting for duty!]

In just five minutes, I pulled up all the data Sonia needed.

The very second I sent it over, I got a 3 grand transfer.

*****

At noon, Sonia waited for me in the break room, just like she promised.

Two super fancy takeout boxes were sitting on the table, looking extra fresh and mouthwatering.

I walked over and she immediately thanked me.

"Lydia, seriously, thank you so much! If it weren't for you, I'd be out of a job by now," she said, her voice full of relief.

She pulled me to sit right next to her and pushed the takeout box in front of me.

"I ordered this from The Pearline. I wasn't sure what you liked, so I just picked a few things. Just hope it's okay with you. If you're free tonight, I'll take you out for a grand meal," she said with a bright smile.

When I popped open the box, the sight nearly dazzled me.

There was a whole platter loaded with lobster, crayfish, and salmon. I was practically blinded by the luxury.

I supposed rich girls really ate like royalty.

I remembered those three months when I was jobless and broke, only eating scraps Pamela left behind. Most days, I was so hungry my stomach felt cold and hurting.

My eyes teared up in an instant.

"What's wrong? Not your thing? Wait, there are two more layers underneath. Take a look!" Sonia said, sounding genuinely concerned.

I checked them out.

Not only was there steaming seafood chowder and expensive cheese, meats and caviar, there was also a fruit and veggie salad that looked gorgeous.

"Lydia, I saw you didn't order anything for lunch, so I got you a sandwich. It's 2 dollars. Don't forget to pay me back." Pamela's voice suddenly piped up behind me, making me cringe.

Sonia and I turned to see Pamela standing there with a cold sandwich.

I frowned. "I didn't ask you to bring me a sandwich."

Pamela said seriously, "But aren't you broke? That's why I brought it for you."

I turned a bit, making sure Pamela got a good look at the fancy takeout box in front of me. "No need. You can eat it yourself. Sonia already brought me lunch."

Pamela narrowed her eyes and said accusingly, "Are you really going to eat her food and not mine?"

Her voice made it sound like I was letting her down if I didn't choose her food.

Even the people around us started whispering and giving us looks.

"Lydia just wants to be friends with Sonia because she's loaded. She doesn't care about anyone else now."

"Pamela might not have much money, but at least she was thinking about Lydia not having lunch. Lydia seems a bit ungrateful."

"But honestly, can you really blame her? How could a 2-dollar sandwich ever compete with a five-star hotel feast? Sonia's lunch probably cost over three hundred bucks."

Sonia couldn't help but look awkward at the whispers.

Watching Sonia get put on the spot made me feel seriously annoyed.

Why was it such a big deal whether I eat a sandwich or a fancy lunch box? Couldn't I make my own choice? Why was I getting guilt-tripped over it?

I took a deep breath, pulled out my phone, and transferred Pamela 2 dollars.

Then I reached out and took the sandwich from her.

Pamela's lips curled into a smug smile as she shot a look at Sonia, who looked genuinely hurt. She hooked her arm through mine and leaned in close. "See? I knew it. We're still best friends."

I gave her a cold smile, pulled my arm out of hers and tossed the sandwich right into the trash.

Then, looking her straight in the eye, I said seriously, "Pamela, don't ever bring me a sandwich again. I'm really sick of it. Moreover, I'm fed up. Why can you eat a real lunch while I have to settle for a sandwich?"

Pamela's face froze, totally stunned.

Sonia looked a little taken aback too.

Everyone around us frowned, clearly surprised by what I'd just said.