Zach''s wrist was tightly gripped by Wendy.


    "Zach! You know I''m the one who needs a violin the most! You did so much for Serena in the past, but when ites to me... why won''t you show me even a little kindness?"


    Tears streamed down Wendy''s face, her breathing in short, ragged gasps- like she was about to have an asthma attack.


    Zach hesitated, stopping himself from moving. He found himself torn as he tried to soothe Wendy.


    Up ahead, Serena had stepped into the elevator. Hearing the melodramatic scene ying out behind her, she felt no sadness-only amusement.


    "Serves him right. So, wishy-washy. In the end, he''ll lose everything."


    Serena returned to her penthouse apartment.


    The moment shey down, she fell into a deep sleep. By the time she woke up again, only thest warm rays of sunset seeped through the curtains.


    Her stomach growled in protest. She had slept through the entire day.


    Climbing out of bed, she checked her phone and saw a message from Wynne.


    "Thanks for sending the porcin! My work is going smoothly. Want to grab dinner tonight?"


    There was another message from Samuel. "The kiln opening went well. The porcin for the exhibition-and your personal tes and bowls-turned out great. Come pick them up when you''re avable."


    At this hour, Samuel''s studio staff had likely already left for the day.


    Fortunately, Serena had a key. So, she decided to stop by the studio first.


    After loading her porcin pieces into the car, she headed to meet Wynne for dinner.


    The moment Wynne got into her car, her eyesnded on the neatly packed porcin. She looked surprised.


    "Are these your mom''s..."


    "No, they''re my replicas. Pretty convincing, right?"


    Serena stepped on the gas pedal, already knowing Wynne''s taste in home-style dishes. She nned to take her to a newly opened restaurant to try it out.


    Wynne, however, kept staring at the porcin pieces.


    "Your craftsmanship is just as good as your mom''s. If she were still alive, she''d be so proud to see you carrying on her legacy. Don''t you ever think about going back to ceramics full-time?"


    "I do." Serena admitted without hesitation. The neon lights reflecting in her pupils were dazzling—almost too bright.


    After a long pause, she exhaled slowly. "But first, I have to take back everything I lost."


    Wynne tightened her grip but didn''t try to persuade her further.


    ...


    The two arrived at the restaurant.


    Just as they reached the entrance, Wynne suddenly stopped in her tracks and patted a woman passing by on the shoulder.


    "Alicia?"


    "Wynne!"


    The woman turned, eyes wide with surprise, before pulling Wynne into a tight hug. Serena looked on, confused, until Wynne pulled the woman over to introduce her.


    "This is Alicia Bowen! She was my ssmate when I was in grad school. She studied economics at Athos University. There was a really rough period during my master''s—she was the one who kept me going!"


    Serena vaguely recalled Wynne mentioning her before. She politely shook hands with Alicia and invited her to join them for dinner.


    Once seated, however, Alicia slumped in her chair, her ill-fitting business suit making her look even more dejected.


    "I knew it. Poor people just aren''t meant to study economics. No connections, no backing-someone like me, who grew up in the countryside, can''t even get past a background check at these financial firms. The moment they see my parents aren''t big clients, they don''t even bother replying to my applications.


    "Wynne, I envy you. At least you have a stable job. I can barely afford to eat. Even this suit-I had to rent the cheapest one."


    Her eyes were full of admiration for Wynne, without a trace of jealousy.


    Wynneforted her, but Alicia soon forced a smile. "I know I can''t let this get me down. That''s why, after venting, I''m going to reach out to morepanies and keep applying. Oh, thanks for treating me to dinner."


    Wynne sighed helplessly. "But you received schrships every year! Your grades are outstanding, you were so active in your extracurricrs and are full of experience. Yet, they still won''t hire you? That''s ridiculous! Too bad I don''t know anyone in finance."


    Just as Serena was putting down the menu, she frowned slightly. Then, without hesitation, she reached out and pinched Wynne''s cheek.


    "Aren''t I someone?"