“I wanted to walk you back to your dorm, but the club president wouldn’t let anyone leave,” Fortune said, her expression caught somewhere between helplessness and a childish pout.

Joyce couldn’t help but smile. For a moment, she caught a glimpse of Fortune’s hidden, almost na?ve side.

“It’s fine. My dorm isn’t far from here anyway. I’ve finished up my work for the night, so you just focus on yours.”

“I’ll send you the photos tonight, but I’m not sure howte I’ll be.

So–good night in advance,” Fortune said.

“You could just say it on WhatsApp,” Joyce replied, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

“But I’d rather say it face to face.” Fortune lowered her gaze, reaching as if to take Joyce’s hand–only to be interrupted by Helena Rivers calling her

name.

Fortune hesitated, looking disappointed, but she had no choice but to

leave.

Joyce waved goodbye, but couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching her.

She nced over her shoulder–nothing. But as she turned back, a face appeared right in front of her. Startled, Joyce lost her bnce and

stumbled to the ground..

“Helena, what the hell?” Joyce pressed a hand to her chest, her voice sharp and shaken.

“Looked like you were having a great time with Fortune, huh?” Helena’s tone was mocking, making Joyce frown in confusion.

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m saying, don’t even think about aiming too high. Fortune’s got a

09.07

gorgeous, wealthy fiancée. They’re a perfect match–someone like iyou/i, with no connections, doesn’t stand a chance.”

Helena jabbed a finger into Joyce’s chest, hard enough to make her

wince.

“You’ve got it all wrong.” Joyce batted Helena’s hand away.

“You’d better hope so! Don’t get any ideas just because iyou /icleaned up nice for once. The only reason you’re even talking to Fortune is because of your roommate–what was her name? Alessia?”

Helena’s sneer was open and unrestrained.

Joyce pressed her lips together, refusing to respond.

But Helena wasn’t finished. She grabbed Joyce by the cor, eyes full of

disdain.

“Trash is still trash, no matter how expensive your makeup or clothes are. You can’t hide that desperate stink. Don’t let the city lights blind you, Joyce. Desperation isn’t a good look.”

Joyce barely remembered how she made it back to her dorm. She looked like she’d lost her soul, trailing in with her shoulders slumped, startling Esme and Mia. They wondered if something bad had happened at the

event.

“What happened?” Esme asked softly.

Joyce shook her head, silent.

“Go take a shower. You probably just had a long day,” Alessia said, catching their concerned looks and shaking her head slightly, signaling them not to press.

The girls fell quiet and nodded, dropping the subject.

Joyce moved like a ghost, grabbing her pajamas and heading for the bathroom, but paused at Alessia’s bunk.

“What’s wrong?” Alessia set her book aside.

09:07

Joyce clutched her clothes, hesitating so noticeably that Alessia’s brow furrowed.

“Do you want to talk outside?”

“No–no, it’s fine!” Joyce answered too quickly.

“I got an invitation from Quantum Flux.”

“Quantum Flux? Oh, I know thatpany. They’ve been talking with my brother’s firmtely. They’ve got a solid reputation and a good future. You should consider it–you could learn a lot there.”

“They’re hosting aworking event. They know I know you, and they’re hoping you’lle along too.”

“When is it?”

Alessia pulled up her calendar–Vera Leigh had helped her organize it, since herpany was juggling a lottely and still scouting for talent. Vera had practically color–coded her whole week, hoping Alessia could make it to as many events as possible.

“They said any day between Monday and Friday. Just let me know when you’re free.”