Chapter 267
Chapter 267:
Leah’s lips twitched with amusement at Sierra’s enthusiastic flattery, her expression a mix of indulgence and restraint.
Before Leah could respond, Sierra plopped down beside her, clasping Leah’s hands in a sudden burst of familiarity.
Leah blinked, caught off guard by the spontaneous gesture. Was Sierra always this naturally warm and unabashedly friendly?
Just as Leah was about to extricate herself, she met Sierra’s earnest gaze. Something in those wide, hopeful eyes made her hesitate.
“Ms. Sugden, can I call you Leah? I feel like it’d make us closer,” Sierra asked, her tone brimming with hopeful anticipation.
“Uh… sure, if that’s what you prefer,” Leah replied, darting a silent plea for rescue towards Janice.
Leah could handle schemers without breaking a sweat, but Sierra’s guileless enthusiasm was a different kettle of fish entirely.
Janice, however, offered no help, her expression unreadable.
This was Sierra’s magic; her effervescent charm had a way of winning people over, even those as stoic as Janice.
“Leah, meeting you is like a dream come true! You’re such an incredible woman,” Sierra continued, her excitement bubbling over like a shaken soda. “You started Freak Design from scratch and turned it into a powerhouse. That’s beyond inspiring! Could you share a few success secrets with me?”
“There’ll be time for that,” Leah replied, her initial wariness melting under Sierra’s unrelenting cheer.
“Perfect! Let’s exchange contact info. You and Janice are my ultimate role models. Oh, and JE too—I hope I get to meet her someday. She must be amazing to have friends like you two!”
“She’s truly one of a kind,” Leah agreed, shooting Janice a sly, knowing glance.
Janice, unbothered, sipped her water with studied indifference.
Leah rolled her eyes at her friend’s cool demeanor, a flicker of sympathy stirring for Sierra. Poor girl—she was raving about JE, blissfully unaware that her idol was sitting right there. Sierra’s reaction when the penny finally dropped would be a sight to behold.
But why did this bubbly, effervescent young woman seem so familiar?
The lively chatter and easy camaraderie filled the air, with Sierra’s voice leading the charge.
Leah glanced at Janice, who met her gaze with an amused, knowing smile. Heat rose to Leah’s cheeks as understanding dawned on her.
It dawned on her.
She used to jabber endlessly to Janice, just like Sierra was now. Life had come full circle, and Leah was tasting her own medicine.
Janice felt a quiet triumph, her instincts validated. Inviting Sierra along had been a stroke of genius. Watching Leah deal with her carbon copy was a source of no small amusement.
“By the way, Glenn’s out of the hospital,” Leah announced. “He mentioned we should swing by the orphanage when we have time. He’s planning to cook for us.”
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