Chapter 3

As soon as they saw me, they instantly went quiet, shot each other a look, and left the room.

After grabbing some water, I returned to my desk and immediately noticed that someone had moved my bag.

I shot a look at Evangeline and Araminta.

Evangeline guiltily turned her head away, refusing to meet my eyes.

Araminta just grinned wide and snapped, "What are you staring at, you poor loser?"

I didn't bother with her drama and just checked my bag.

That's when I noticed my Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet was gone.

I had been planning to give it to my bestie as a birthday present tonight.

I looked at both of them, making sure to say each word clearly. "I'm missing a bracelet."

Araminta got even more fired up. "What's that got to do with us? Don't tell me you think we stole it! Who'd want your cheap imitation anyway?"

I sat down and pulled out my phone. "Whether it's real or not isn't something you can just decide by talking. That bracelet is worth 10 thousand dollars. Enough for the cops to open a case. I'm calling the police."

I dialed 911, but before it even rang, Evangeline snatched my phone and hung up.

She said, "Come on, Bianca, maybe you just misplaced it? Who just tosses something that pricey in their bag anyway?"

She leaned in close. "We're all in the same group, no need to blow this out of proportion. Since it went missing in the office and I'm the group leader, let me get you a replacement, okay?"

Araminta finally caught on and yelled, "Evangeline! She's just trying to scam you. Don't fall for it! Who in their right mind would just toss something worth 10 thousand dollars in their bag?"

Look at that, an expert bootlicker never missed a chance to suck up.

I sneered. "That bracelet's a limited edition, custom engraved, one of a kind. Whoever took it won't be able to sell it or even wear it without getting caught."

Evangeline, eyes brimming with tears, pulled the gift box out of her bag, with my best friend's initials right there on the lid.

I gave her a lazy, mocking smile. "Wow, so even the company heiress helps herself to other people's stuff, huh?"

Araminta immediately shielded Evangeline behind her, like a mother hen protecting her chicks.

Araminta said, "Don't get cocky, Bianca! I took the bracelet, okay? Who knows if you're just making this up?

"It's just a cheap bracelet. Just wanted to take a look. It's not like it's going to kill you. You're broke, how could you even afford something that expensive?"

I picked up the gift box and stuffed it back in my bag. "Who cares if I can afford it? You sure as hell can't!"

"Next time you want to steal something, try using your brain, will you? See that? There's a security camera right in front of my computer. And keep your distance. I've got a phobia of massive morons."

I grabbed my bag and walked off, leaving those two idiots frozen in place like a pair of statues.

That night, I was drinking with my bestie Osiris Flynn, arm around his shoulder, grumbling, "Man, it's like I ran into some real weirdos tonight."

Osiris just waved it off. "Come on, Princess Bianca, don't waste your energy on stuff like this. Next time those two clowns mess with you, just call me. I'll teach them a lesson myself."

I figured after all that drama, those two would finally learn their lesson.

But I should've known, idiots never change.

When my one-month internship ended, my name was nowhere to be found on the final list.

I barged right into Dorian's office and demanded, "Why wasn't I kept on after my internship?"

Dorian gave me that fake sympathetic look. "Bianca, your work is impressive, no question. But you just don't have the team spirit we're after. After careful consideration, the company has decided not to hire you. Pack up your stuff, grab your compensation from finance, and head out."

I was choked up and at a loss for words, and as soon as I stepped out of the office, everyone gathered around me.

Evangeline, with red, tear-filled eyes, said, "I'm sorry, it's all because of me. If I hadn't told Dorian about you and Araminta fighting, none of this would've happened."

Araminta immediately jumped in, "How is this your fault, Evangeline? She totally deserved to fail her internship. The Kane Group would never want trash like her."

Everyone started gossiping all at once.

"See? That's what happens when you mess with the heiress. I'm just going to keep my head down from now on."

"The Kane Group heiress really calls the shots. If she wants you gone, you're gone."

"Bianca's one of the best workers here, but just because she pissed off the heiress, she's out. What a waste."

Some people tried to talk me into it. "Bianca, why not just apologize to Evangeline? She's chill, she'll let it slide, and you'll get to keep your job."

"Yeah, the Kane Group isn't just for anyone. Just suck it up and say sorry."

"Who cares about apologizing? Getting fired is way more humiliating."

Evangeline was standing there with her arms folded, looking super pleased with herself, while Araminta was practically strutting around like she owned the place.

You'd think she was the actual heiress everyone kept talking about.

Right when all eyes were glued to me, the automatic doors burst open out of nowhere.

Then a familiar voice echoed through the room, "Who the hell thinks they can make Bianca leave?"