It hadn’t been long since Xylia’sst wave of online hate, and the trolls were quick to bring it up again.


    [It’s that murderer again. How is she still allowed online?]


    [Just because she’s got someone powerful behind her, she thinks she can do whatever she wants? The Jupiton authorities should lock her up already.]


    [Tessa has a dancepetition next week. Mess with Tessa and you deserve to die.]


    Josie sat across from Xylia, watching as her brows slowly knitted together.


    Josie broke the silence first. “Ms. Schultz, those rumors online are not true, right?”


    Xylia finally looked up at Josie.


    Josie was resting her chin in her hand, her big, clear eyes full of innocence. She didn’t seem to judge Xylia based on what people were saying online.


    Xylia felt a wave of surprise and gratitude wash over her. She gripped her phone tightly and gave a firm nod.


    “I didn’t hit and run, and I wasn’t the reason Tessa twisted her anklest night. I was set up, Xylia said seriously.


    Josie’s face lit up with a bright smile. “See? I told you, you don’t seem like that kind of person at all.”


    Josie picked up the tablet to start ordering food, and Xylia watched her, a question nagging at her. “I just brushed it off with a simple exnation, and you actually believe me?”


    “It’s not about believing you. I just trust my own instincts,” Josie replied.


    After ordering, Josie handed the tablet to Xylia. I picked my favorites. Now it’s your turn.”


    Xylia didn’t catch even a hint of judgment or disdain in Josie’s eyes. In that moment, Xylia felt a lump rise in her throat.


    Xylia had been betrayed by those closest to her, constantly put down and mistrusted by her family.


    And here was someone Xylia’d just met, showing her such unexpected kindness.


    Josie didn’t pry into Xylia’s past. Instead, they dove right into sharing their views on fashion design.


    As they talked, they quickly realized they were totally on the same wavelength when it came to their perspective and taste in fashion design.


    “There’s a big fashion designpetitioning up here in two months. You should totally join,” Josie said. She leaned forward, her tone sincere <b>as </b><b>she </b>invited Xylia.


    Xylia nodded. “What are the requirements for thepetition?”


    9:49 Fri, Sep 12


    € 55 vouchers.


    “Well, first, you need to set up your own studio, and it should have some reputation back in your country. I’m. sure you can pull it off,” Josie replied confidently.


    Two months was barely any time at all, and Xylia honestly didn’t know if she could <b>make </b>it. But she was determined to give it a try. This was the only way she could get closer to her dream.


    “Okay, I’ll make it happen, Xylia said, her voice full of determination.


    After parting ways with Josie, Xylia couldn’t stop thinking about starting her own studio.


    Suddenly, her phone rang. It was Chase. “Ms. Schultz, do you have a minute? I’d like to meet up with you,” he said.


    Chase’s voice wasn’t as arrogant as before; there was even a trace of guilt in his tone.


    Xylia thought for a moment and decided to meet him.


    When they met, <b>Chase </b>handed Xylia his sketchbook, filled with years of design work.


    “This is all the experience I’ve gathered in my career. I hope it’ll be useful to you. I wanted to see you today to apologize and to say goodbye,” Chase said.


    Xylia shot Chase a puzzled look.


    Just yesterday, they’d been at each other’s throats, and now Chase was actually apologizing to her.


    ‘Why?‘ she wondered.


    “I’ve always hated people who get ahead by pulling strings. I thought you were like that, and that’s why I treated you the way I did.


    “But Mr. Quezada exined everything to me, and I want <b>to </b>apologize for how unfair I was to you,” Chase


    said.


    Chase’s apology was so genuine that it made Xylia feel a bit embarrassed.


    She quickly said, “It’s really okay. You’ve actually taught me a lot these past few days, and I’m honestly grateful.”


    Chase smiled, “With your talent, even without my help, you’re bound to make a name for yourself as a world- ss designer someday.”


    Xylia looked a little shy at the praise. “By the way, you mentioned you’re leaving. What’s going on?” she asked.


    “Thepany’s sending me overseas for some advanced training. I probably won’t be back anytime soon,” Chase replied.


    “So, can I still talk to <b>you </b><b>about </b>design stuff in <b>the </b>future?” Xylia asked.


    “Of course,” Chase replied with a smile.


    MILE


    65 vouchers


    After they talked things out, all the awkwardness between Xylia and <b>Chase </b>was gone for good.


    It felt just like when they first met, except now, they weren’t just teachers and students; they were friends, too.


    All that stress from the inte trolls finally started to fade away, and Xylia felt so much lighter.


    After saying goodbye to Chase, Xylia decided to grab a cab back to the Ford Mansion.


    But just as Xylia was about to leave, she spotted a luxury car pulling up in front of the nightclub entrance across the street.


    Joshua stepped out of the passenger seat, looking sharp in a perfectly tailored ck suit.


    guy


    Xylia’s eyes widened in shock. A Maybach worth millions? How could Joshua, just a uv working a regr job. possibly afford to be in a car like that?‘ she thought,pletely baffled.


    Xylia was still in shock when another woman got out of the driver’s seat.


    This woman was rocking a ck suit <b>too</b>, with ck stilettos that had gold ents. Her short hair was styled in a way that screamed bossdy–definitely someone who ran <b>the </b>show. She looked about thirty–something.


    The two of them headed into the bar together.


    Xylia’s eyes went wide. “Wait, is Joshua seriously her sugar baby now?‘ she thought, totally stunned,


    As soon as Joshua stepped into the bar, the deafening music started getting on his nerves.


    “Why do we have to talk business in a ce like this?” Joshua grumbled, clearly not happy about it.


    Yana, meanwhile, looked absolutely thrilled, practically itching to join the party on the dance floor. If she didn’t have to babysit Joshua, she’d be out there with the young crowd in no time.


    “Of course, it’s a big deal. This partnership means everything to me. If you mess this up, I won’t let you go. Yana warned, her tone fierce.


    Joshua gave Yana a cold, sideways look. ‘Is this about that guy’s business <b>again</b>?”


    Yana just arched an eyebrow, not bothering to deny it.


    They headed upstairs to a private room.


    After hesitating for ages, Xylia finally stepped into the nightclub, trailing after them. She was worried Joshua. was being coerced into something.


    <b>But </b>once she got inside, the pounding music and packed crowd meant Joshua was nowhere to be seen.


    She pulled out her phone to call him, but it was already dead and had shut off


    Just as she was standing there, feeling totally lost, someone familiar walked up to her.


    “Xylia? After hurting Tessa, you’ve got the nerve to show up here and party?” Sadie sneered.


    9:49 Fri, Sep <b>12 </b>


    1:


    Xylia looked up and locked eyes with Sadie, who was ring at her with open disgust.


    <b>??? </b>


    Il 55 vouchers


    Sadie was rocking a leather jacket and pants, her hair dyed bubblegum pink and twisted into several dreadlocks–the ultimate rebel look.


    She was nked by a crew of girls dressed just like her, all shooting Xylia the same contemptuous re.


    Xylia wasn’t about to waste her breath on Sadie. She spun around and headed out. She still needed to find Joshua.


    But just as Xylia turned, Sadie stepped in front of her, blocking her path.


    “Xylia, you bitch, what are you running for? Feeling guilty about something, huh?” Sadie sneered.


    “First, you steal my boyfriend, then you mess up Tessa’s leg so she can’t evenpete in the dancepetition. Seriously, what kind of trashy, pathetic girl are you?” she spat.


    Xylia gave


    Sadie a cold, dismissive stare. “Seriously, use your brain for once. I don’t even know your boyfriend. Why would I ever go after him? You think I’m crazy?”


    “Maybe you’re just a cougar who can’t resist a younger guy, or maybe <b>you </b>just hate me so much you had to steal my boyfriend. You’re the kind of person who’d stoop to anything,” Sadie sneered.


    Xylia just rolled her eyes, not even bothering to argue anymore. “I don’t have time to waste on you,” she said. sharply, trying to brush past Sadie.


    But Sadie wasn’t about to let her leave. She reached out and grabbed Xylia<b>, </b>yanking her back.


    E