Chapter 1984

"You really are something, you know that? You didn't do anything wrong, but your own parents can't stand you. Can't you just start living for yourself, for once? Your mom said she was just going out to buy you some food. Seriously, how long could that possibly take? And the news? They're all talking about how tough you've got it. Your parents act all heartbroken in public, but when you need them the most, they're nowhere to be found."

As she spoke, the nurse opened the takeout bag, handed Amy a spoon, and set a box of fried rice in front of her.

"Take your time eating. And when you're done, really think about what I said. I've honestly never seen parents like yours before."

"Thank you," Amy said, looking up at her with a genuine smile.

Amy might be using the nurse, but that smile was real. In her entire life, she could count on one hand the number of people who'd been kind to her, and the nurse was one of them.

But nobody was going to stop her now. Amy needed the nurse's help to build her own story.

She ate quietly, glancing over at the nurse every now and then. Sure enough, she caught her at the computer, copying the infirmary's security footage.

The sight made Amy's smile widen. She nearly burst out laughing, barely able to keep it together as she scooped up another bite of rice.

Meanwhile, Fiona sat reading the latest press release from Amy's parents. No surprise—they were experts at spinning things their way. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ find{n}ovel.net

A sly smile appeared on Fiona's lips. She couldn't wait to see Amy's next move. People with that kind of scheming mind always made the game more interesting.

Tyler noticed her good mood and slid some snacks her way. "So, what are you planning to do about the Stonnell family?"

"Nothing for now. Let's give it some time."

“But someone from Country M already reached out. They want to work with us.”

"Who's their contact?"

"Esther."

Fiona just nodded. That was expected.

So Esther was getting impatient. She clearly wanted to work with Fiona and wasn't about to let some new tech make her irrelevant.

"Set up a meeting. We'll both go," Fiona said.

Tyler looked a little surprised. “You want me to come too?”

“Of course. You're just as important at International Glam as I am. None of this would work without your strategy."

"Alright, then. I'm in."

Their banter drew a few looks from the people around them.

Nash glanced over, then quickly looked away.

"Fiona, how come you and Tyler are so close?" someone finally asked, unable to keep their curiosity in check. "Yeah, you treat him differently than everyone else."

“We've known each other forever. Years, actually,” Fiona replied.

People started whispering, but nobody pressed any further. Most of them just assumed the two of them were a couple. Sometimes, rumors really do take on a life of their own.

After all, Fiona had just broken up with Jackson, and now she was always with Tyler. Anyone would wonder.

Fiona didn't bother to explain. Sometimes rumors worked in her favor.

"I can explain if you want," Tyler offered.

“No need,” Fiona said, smiling at him. She nodded toward Jane, who was sitting nearby. “Do you notice anything different about Jane?"

Tyler thought for a moment, catching Fiona's meaning.

"We're not hiding anything, but we can use their gossip. Let them think we're caught up in drama."

"Wanna grab spicy hot pot later?" Fiona asked.

Tyler hesitated for a second, then smiled and said, “Yeah, sure.”