“He asked me to attend a networking event with him,” I say casually, like it’s no big deal. Like I get invited to fancy parties every day.
Both their faces change. Janice’s fork stops halfway to her mouth. Stephanie’s eyes narrow.
“What kind of networking event?” Stephanie’s voice has lost its casual tone.
“The Starlight Gala. This Friday.” I take another bite, chewing thoughtfully while they process this information.
The silence that follows is delicious. I can practically see the wheels turning in their heads—the calculations, the jealousy, the desperate need to find a way to diminish this.
“You?” Janice’s voice goes up an octave. “He invited you to the Starlight Gala?”
“That’s what I said.”
“But that’s…” Stephanie’s mouth opens and closes like a fish. “That’s the biggest event of the year. CEOs, investors, politicians. It costs two thousand dollars just to get in the door.”
“I know.” I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms. “Should be interesting.”
The looks on their faces are worth every uncomfortable moment I’ve endured in this break room. Pure, undiluted shock mixed with seething resentment.
Of course, I’m not stupid. I know there are other reasons behind Caleb’s invitation—reasons that have nothing to do with my stellar performance reviewing savings accounts. The documentshe handed me are still sitting on my desk, and I haven’t even looked at them yet. But I know they’re some kind of test, another hoop to jump through in whatever game he’s playing.
But right now, sitting here watching Stephanie’s face twist with jealousy, I don’t care about the ulterior motives. I’m too busy enjoying this new high, this feeling of being someone who matters enough to be invited to exclusive events.
My eyes drift down to the watch on my wrist, the bracelet catching the light. They heard everything. Anton and Boris, my pack—listening through these beautiful, expensive shackles. They know about the gala, about Caleb’s invitation, about the trap we’re all walking into.
The thought should terrify me. Instead, it makes me smile.
Because for the first time in my adult life, I’m not facing something alone. There are people—dangerous, complicated people—who care what happens to me. Who are probably already planning how to keep me safe, even as they use me to get what they need.
“Wow. The Starlight Gala.” Her voice is syrupy, but her eyes are knives. “Must be nice, being the convenient plus-one.”
It’s the kind of jab meant to gut me, not just sting. To put me back in my place as the pathetic little bank clerk who should be grateful for scraps.
A week ago, they would have worked.
A week ago, I would have crumbled.
But not today.
I look at Stephanie without a single waver in my gaze, letting the silence stretch until she starts to squirm. Then I stand up slowly, deliberately, my movements fluid and confident.
“You know what is nice, Stephanie?” My voice is steady, calm. “Not having to tear other people down to feel good about myself.”
The silence that follows is so complete I can hear the hum of the refrigerator, the distant sound of traffic outside, the tick of the wall clock marking seconds like a countdown.
Janice’s mouth actually drops open. A piece of lettuce falls off her fork and lands on the table with a wet plop.
Stephanie’s face goes red; not the delicate flush of embarrassment, but the mottled red of genuine anger.
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me.” I stand up slowly, wrapping the rest of my sandwich with deliberate care. Every movement is measured, confident. “I said it’s nice not having to tear other people down to feel good about myself. Some of us don’t need to make others feel small to feel big.”
I pause at the table’s edge, looking down at both of them. For once in my life, I have the high ground.
“Maybe you should try building yourselves up instead of knocking everyone else down. Might be more fulfilling than whatever this is.” I gesture vaguely at their shocked faces, their half-eaten salads, their entire toxic dynamic. “Enjoy your lunch, ladies.”
I walk out of that break room like I’m walking off a battlefield I just won. My spine is straight, my head is high, and my heart is pounding with the same adrenaline rush I felt in Caleb’s office.
