“Awww…she looks like what the cat dragged in,” A lady squealed, trying and failing to contain her laughter. “I guess even Madame Sky would be embarrassed of this thing that she hired,” Lydia couldn't help but chuckle. This sight was too ridiculous. She watched Maria try to sit up, her face red and heavy with pain. She choked back a sob, nursing her ankle that had twisted. She was sure her bones had shifted. She smiled. “Serves her right. Now she knows how we felt with her clumsiness.” The earlier event where she had slipped had completely erased from her mind, forgetting that she too had been clumsy and it was a total mistake. “Next time, you'll know your place when serving people not in the same wretched class as you,” Maybe Maria's situation was pathetic enough, but the few people who had feigned disinterest from the beginning started rushing towards her, helping her to her feet. But the greater part of the crowd just stood there, laughing and recording. Some even mocking the p

“Maria is Madame Sky's sister?” “This whole thing was never real?” “What's going on here?” A man shouted above the noise. Madame Sky looked at Maria, her lips slowly pulling into a small smile. “Your acting was very perfect. Thank you, darling. Come join me on stage,” The whispers intensified through the room. Lydia's breath hitched in her throat at the sight of both women smiling at each other. She tried to speak, but only air came out. So all her criticisms, all her mockeries were a sham? Did she only succeed in making a fool of herself? This was never real? No…no…no, it couldn't be. It had to be a prank. Maria stood beside her sister, a calm look plastered on her face. She removed the apron on her neck, looking very different from the poor, weak, pathetic staff that was bullied earlier. It was at this point that everybody could see the resemblance —same pointed nose, same chin structure, same small lips and even same authoritative stance. “Hi everyone. Today's gathering was

The ballroom was in complete chaos. Half of the guests were filming. Others were just watching. A few hissed angrily, turning to leave, but the security sealed all the exits.“This doesn't make sense! What about us, did you even include us in your decision at all?” A man shouted. “What's going to happen to what we actually think should be done to this local brat?!”Madame Sky sighed. “It's not about that, Mr John. Your solution to dealing with her is through violence and I cannot allow that in my event. If you come up with diplomatic ways to resolve this, then I can listen,”“I'm doing all I can to make sure this event continues uninterrupted. Rest assured, the girl will receive the punishment she deserves,” She added.“At the expense of your guests…? This girl needs some beating to reset her brain! I suggest that security take her out and lash her on the ass twenty times. That shouldn't be enough punishment,”“This is bullshit! If my staff disrespects me like this, I wouldn't care ab

Lydia chuckled, but the sound came out empty and cold. “Mr Jones, I don't appreciate the joke. You cannot—”“This decision is non-reversal,” Mr. Jones cut in calmly, sliding a folder across the table towards her. “Stamped and ordered by the new management. Effective immediately, you will cease operation as the CEO. Security has been instructed to escort you once this meeting ends.”“I refuse to accept this!” Lydia snapped, slamming her palm against the table as she shot to her feet. The chair scraped loudly behind her. “I didn’t sign my company over to Axel, so they have no right to—”“The clause was included in the contract that you signed.” Mr Jones cut her off again with a calm expression. “I'm certain you read it,”“What…?” Lydia blinked as her face paled. She hadn't bothered to read through the damn contract that Leo had brought for her. “Wh…at contract? I di…didn't see any controversial clause,”“I cannot assist you further. If you have any questions or complaints, I suggest yo

The car rolled into the driveway, but Lydia did not move. Her hands remained frozen on the wheels as her entire body trembled. One by one, the thoughts replayed in her mind like a broken disc. How was it possible for a person to fall this fast? She barely even had time to blink before her world crashed before her eyes. She leaned back against the seat, closing her eyes briefly, but even darkness offered no relief. She sighed and pushed her eyes open, her shaky hands reaching for the door handle. The house was quiet when she walked in. She walked to the wine rack and brought out a bottle of vodka which she poured in a glass. She emptied the content down her throat in a single gulp, hissing as a belch escaped her lips. “Fuck!” She screamed, tossing the glass against the wall and watching it shatter.Not satisfied, she grabbed the expensive glass clock on the wall and smashed it against the floor with all her strength. The crash echoed through the room. Breathing heavily, she turned