<b>Chapter </b>421


    “All done. You’re going to outshine everyone tonight.” Mia gave her


    powder brush a little shake, then surveyed Joyce’s finished makeup with a satisfied nod.


    “Here, try this on–it’s perfect for an event like this. Elegant and safe, can’t go wrong.” Alessia handed Joyce a shopping bag.


    “It looks expensive…” Joyce took the bag, frowning, a little uneasy.


    “It’s from my own shop. No charge.”


    “But what about the cost… I could just wear something simple.”


    Alessia frowned, puzzled by Joyce’s sudden reluctance.


    Whenever any of their roommates had a big eventing up, Alessia always picked out outfits for them ahead of time. For her, giving away a dress was as casual as buying someone a coffee–nothing to fuss over.


    The others all knew this, and usually epted her gifts without overthinking it,ter treating Alessia to dinner or coffee as a thank you. Sure, even a nice meal didn’te close to covering the cost of the clothes, but it felt more genuine than pretending to refuse.


    “Come on<i>, </i>wear it! A gorgeous look deserves a gorgeous outfit, that’s just


    the rule.” Esme chimed in.


    “Exactly. Lessie’s got great taste, and tonight’s a big deal, right? All those executives and business leaders will be there. Dress sharp to match your talent, and who knows? Maybe you’llnd an internship. Beats handing out flyers every other weekend. We don’t have fancy backgrounds to open doors for us, so when opportunity knocks, you grab it, got it?” Mia sounded like a well–meaning mom, earnest and a little naggy.


    Joyce pressed her lips together, still hesitating.


    “I’ve got one condition,” Alessia said lightly, half–joking. “When you organize your notes at the end of the semester, send me a copy.” Esme


    and Mia immediately teased Alessia for pretending she could ever be in


    09:06


    danger of failing a ss.


    Of course Joyce knew Alessia was just giving her an excuse to ept the dress. With Alessia’s grades, she’d never need anyone’s notes.


    She sighed. “Okay. My side job pays tomorrow–I’ll treat you all to dinner.” Most days, she thanked her lucky stars for roommates like these<i>. </i>Other dorms were full of drama and petty fights, but theirs was different. Each of them was unique, and Joyce herself was as quiet and ordinary as could be.


    But her friends never looked down on her. They always found some hidden strength in her and cheered her on.


    First time wearing makeup, first time on stage, first time running for anything… with every step, they were right there, pushing her forward.


    She hugged the bag to her chest and stood up, then suddenly gave them a deep, grateful bow.


    “Thank you, guys.”


    “Where’s thising from?” Esme blinked in surprise.


    “<i>Oh</i><i>, </i>nothing. I’m just feeling sentimental tonight.” She couldn’t deny it–something Fortune had said earlier had shaken her a little.


    She came from the least privileged family in their group. She rarely even bought herself a coffee, but the others always brought her an extra cup. When her parents didn’t send money, and her paychecks werete, they’d find some silly excuse to order her a meal too.


    They respected her pride, helped out in ways she could ept. Still, she was only human. Sometimes, the difference stung. Sometimes, she felt… a little jealous.


    She tried to ignore those feelings, to keep a good attitude, but just a few words from Fortune had made her defenses crumble.


    Alessia didn’t say anything. She just squeezed Joyce’s shoulder.


    “Hurry up and get changed, or you’ll bete.”


    That snapped Joyce out of it. She rushed off to the bathroom to change, and when she came back, Alessia was already holding her purse out, all packed and ready to go.