Nte had just finished replying to a message from a brand rep when she heard voices and looked up.


    "Oh,e on. He''s just a jerk. Is he really worth your tears? Who knows how hard he''sughing at you behind your back," she said, her tone half teasing, half sincere.


    Isadora took the bowl of fruit Nte passed her, shing a mischievous smile. “If we need rtionship advice, I guess you''re our resident expert, huh?"


    The yful banter seemed to ease the tension. Rowena rxed a little, sinking into the couch with a sigh.


    "I know, I know. I just can''t help wondering how I could have such terrible judgment. If I''d never met Abbott, maybe none of this would''ve happened."


    Nte cut straight to the heart of it. "But Rowena, you grew up totally different from me and Isadora. You had it easy-your parents spoiled you, treated you like a princess. You never had to deal with how ugly the real world can be, so, of course, it was easier for someone like him to fool you."


    Rowena sniffled, a flicker of something crossing her face. "Isadora, thank you for today. And thank that... prince charming of yours for me, too."


    Victor. Just the mention of his name piqued Nte''s interest all over again, especially after Isadora had hung up on her so abruptly the other day.


    "Oh? Is this something I don''t know about?"


    "This whole thing-I only got Abbott''s incriminating files thanks to Victor. Otherwise, I never would''ve gotten the photos back so easily."


    Rowena nced at Isadora, careful, a little hesitant. "So... what exactly is going on between you and him?"


    Nte arched a brow, grinning. "Please. He''s totally your boyfriend, right? Why else would a guy like that-rich, powerful, untouchable-bother helping you out?"


    Rowena had imagined a hundred possible stories between Isadora and Mr. Fitzgerald, but somehow, this scenario had never crossed her mind. Her expression shifted as the old family name echoed in her thoughts.


    Back when she was a child, everyone knew the Fitzgerald Group was the most powerful conglomerate in Capitolion. The ine family had once tried everything to get close to them, but then the Fitzgerald heir went abroad for school, and nothing ever came of it.


    If things had gone differently back then-if the ines had actually be close with the Fitzgeralds would she be a different person today?


    Nte''s voice pulled Rowena from her reverie. "Isadora, I mean it-after everything that''s happened, Victor''s a total catch! He''s got money, looks, and let''s be honest, the man''s got skills. And most important, he really cares about you. You have to hold onto him."


    Isadora just smiled, sipping her wine and saying nothing.


    Rowena nced at her, her voice soft, almost wistful. "Honestly, Isadora... I really envy you."


    She envied the ways they''d all changed their confidence, their freedom. She envied them so much she had to hide the jealousy in her own heart.


    Nte caught the undercurrent in Rowena''s words and shot her a sidelong nce. Maybe it was just the time apart, but Rowena suddenly felt like a stranger.


    *


    At the Seafarer Designs office, things were quieter than usual. Wendy had taken a couple days off for family reasons, and since Nte''s new project hadn''t started filming yet, she''d been sticking close to Isadorately.


    That evening, the three friends left work together, chatting andughing as they strolled toward the parking lot. From a distance, they spotted a limited-edition Rolls-Royce parked out front.


    A tall, impably dressed man-Kemp-stood waiting beside it and bowed respectfully as they approached.


    Nte squinted. "Is it just me, or does it look like he''s waiting for us?"


    Kemp stepped forward, his manner perfectly polite. "Miss Vaughan, Mr. Fitzgerald has arranged a dinner this evening for you and your friends."


    Isadora blinked, surprised, the question slipping out before she could stop herself. "Why does he want to have dinner with us?"


    Nte nudged her. "I can''t believe it—he actually took my advice! His approval rating just shot through the roof."


    Kemp continued, "We''ve reserved a private room at Gourmet Terrace. Mr. Fitzgerald will join you as soon as his meeting finishes."


    Nte let out a little squeal. "Gourmet Terrace? Are you serious? That ce is at the top of every must-eat list in Capitolion. They only take a handful of reservations each day, and you have to book at least a month in advance! Every time I ask my assistant to snag a table, we always miss the window."


    Kemp smiled. "Since the restaurant is inside the mall, Mr. Fitzgerald also said Miss Vaughan, you and your friends are invited to shop before dinner. All the bills will go straight to Mr. Fitzgerald.”


    Nte bumped Isadora with her shoulder, grinning from ear to ear. "Well, would you look at that—I never thought my best friend would be my ticket to unlimited shopping."