Chapter 3

The room filled with laughter once more, the sound bouncing off the walls. Matthews, standing across from me, guffawed so hard I could see every tooth in his mouth.

Gabriel, however, looked ashen and strained. His eyes darted around, as if searching for an escape.

What was he so concerned about?

Was he worried I'd mention that incident in the capital?

I wasn't that petty.

Amara's fingers drummed on the table, instantly silencing the mirth. She gestured at me, her voice dripping with derision.

"Cassia, remain here. I'll speak with Assistant Westley later. I'm certain he can promote you to a supervisor role. It shouldn't be an issue."

When I didn't reply, she snickered.

"You probably have no idea who Assistant Westley is, do you? He's the owner's right-hand man here. Someone of your status, a mere server, would never have the opportunity to meet him."

"Even if you did get the chance to meet him, do you honestly believe someone as important as Assistant Westley, a person even Amara's father treats with the utmost deference, would give someone like you the time of day?"

"Well, perhaps," she went on, her tone oozing sarcasm, "Cassia is attractive enough. Maybe Assistant Westley would take her as his mistress."

No sooner had the words left her mouth than Nyla let out a derisive cackle.

"And if he did? Even as a mistress, she'd still be nothing more than a pet, a dog at best."

For a moment, I wondered if I had somehow wronged their family in a past life. Was all this really necessary?

But honestly, I couldn't care less. I didn't have the patience or energy to argue with them. Besides, the last thing I wanted was for them to discover my true identity. If they did, I'd soon be surrounded by sycophants, all trying to curry favor with me like parasites. What a nuisance.

"Have a good time, everyone. I really must go now, or I'll be out of a job," I said, plastering on a smile as I turned to leave.

Suddenly, Matthews shoved me, his hand pushing against my shoulder with unnecessary force.

"Cassia, are you refusing to accept a gracious offer?"

"When Amara shows you kindness, you get on your knees and accept it with open arms," Matthews growled, his finger pointing directly at me.

I met his gaze steadily before nodding. "Fine, I'll accept it. I'll stay."

"That's more like it," Matthews said, his voice oozing self-satisfaction as he patted my cheek.

It was his right hand. The one that had never done anything for anyone except to mock them.

Amara pointed to a decorative oak barrel in the corner. "There are no more chairs. You can sit on that."

Another burst of unrestrained laughter filled the air.

I didn't respond, just shook my head and chuckled quietly. How utterly immature.

Without a word, I walked over and sat down on the barrel.

Suddenly, Gabriel stood up, his voice sharp. "That's enough. Everyone, stop fooling around. Cassia, just go already."

Amara shot him a calculating look. "What's this? Feeling pity for her?"

"No," Gabriel retorted, his voice laced with contempt, "I just don't want to look at her."

I couldn't help but notice the strain in his voice. It was obvious he was terrified. Terrified that I might reveal the past, the secret that could ruin everything he had with Amara.

"You don't have to look at her," Amara said, her smile ice-cold. She sat down and turned her gaze on me. "But I, for one, quite enjoy watching Cassia. It's like... observing a monkey perform. Haven't seen one in ages."

Matthews chuckled darkly. "Cassia, why don't you quit here and work at Amara's company as a janitor? Maybe seeing you would brighten her day, and she might throw you a banana or two for your efforts."

Laughter erupted around me once more.

I remained unfazed. "Being a janitor isn't my style. When I have enough money, I'll just buy Amara's company. I want to be in charge."

The room fell silent before the laughter grew even louder.

Gabriel didn't join in. His eyes turned a shade of red as he stared at me, almost pleading, as if silently begging me to leave.

Amara's laughter subsided before she spoke, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Cassia, if you actually manage to become wealthy, I'll gladly sell you the company. But by the time you have the funds, my company will be worth even more."

I didn't bother to respond to her comment.