Anastasia's pov
The participants around me gasped in shock at the information, as if it were something terrible to have an honest job. The eyes of the other participants sparkle with curiosity and malice, and the atmosphere around us seems to close in, becoming a bubble of gossip and judgment.
If what Zahir said is true, she doesn't have such an honest job after all. But why does she want to kill me? I've never seen her in my life, and I certainly have nothing to do with her parents losing money.
"What's her name?" I ask timidly, and all the participants turn to look at me. I feel my face flush with such attention, but I maintain a peaceful and gentle mask.
I can't let them perceive my fear and shame; I have to blend in with them and maintain my presence here as long as I can. I won't let anyone step on me and treat me like a simple commoner.