Both our Moms were already at the table, quietly looking at something on Kaya’s phone.
“That’s not a good sign,” I said, even though they seemed more focused than angry.“Another article with pictures from last night?”
“Yep, very subtle trashing this time,” Mom said.
“It’s a different outlet,” Kaya said.“They’re covering the fashion show, but were smart enough to mention your name to ride your current notoriety and boost the article's popularity.They critiqued your outfit, complimenting the way you paired the classy pantsuit with understated earrings, giving your custom Zellon bracelet room to take the spotlight as we watched the show.”
I glanced at Konni.“It’s not marked as a Zellon piece.”
“I asked them not to put the usual maker’s mark on it so you could wear it discreetly.Someone either recognized the style or made a lucky guess.”
“Mmm.”I was too busy staring at my bracelet with new appreciation to say anything else.
“Does the article say anything else?”Konni asked, pulling out my chair for me.
“It speculates whether the clothes and jewelry are a sign that Sophia is riding Kaya’s goodwill,” Mom said.“However, there are a lot of comments pointing to Kaya’s livestream at Zellon yesterday.”
“Live stream?What live stream?”I asked, already using my phone to check.
“Just a little something I started doing because I was tired of people throwing hate on us,” Kaya said.“And it seems to be working.Half the commenters agree with the article, and the other half are accusing the outlet of blatant sensationalism.”
I found the article and the comment with a link to Kaya’s social media account.She had a substantial number of followers for only having half a dozen posts.I clicked on the most recent one, which was her critique of my outfit yesterday.She’d been the one to point out it was a classy pantsuit paired with understated earrings, allowing the Zellon bracelet to shine.
The next video was at Zellon.She was in the main frame with me in the background over her shoulder.
“Look at her.”The camera shifted from Kaya to me, admiring something inside a Zellon display case.“She loves this place.She even owns one of their custom bracelets.But when I asked if I could buy her these,”—she lifted a pair of diamond earrings—“she said that being here together was enough.”
She sighed at the camera.“If I can't buy her anything, how am I supposed to prove to everyone that I don’t hate her?Her polite refusal might be great for her image, but it's terrible for mine.So, I’ll need to spoil someone else today.
“Comment with one good thing that happened to you recently for a chance to win these, and let's celebrate a little positivity instead of negativity.”
The comments were insane, especially Kaya’s announcing the winner.It had an impressive number of likes and an equally remarkable number of congratulations for the winner.
Going back further, I found a video from the night I worked on the Southside proposal.I was sitting at the table in the background of her livestream, unaware as she talked about how much she loved having Mom and me there—how it eased her loneliness—and how she wished I didn't work so much so we could spend more time together, shopping or going to social outings.
I looked up at Kaya.“You’re brilliant.Your preemptive authenticity and sincerity clarified my reason for living here and why we’re doing things together.You’ll need to keep posting, though, or people will call it a gimmick.”
Her relieved smile didn’t make sense until she said, “I was so worried you’d be mad when you found out I recorded you without telling you.”
Mom snorted.“Not even if you recorded her drunk and slowly stripping as she staggers her way to her bed.”
“Hey,” I said.“I might object to that…if the angle or my expression aren’t flattering.But I’ve been told I’m a sexy drunk stripper.”
Konni’s fork clinked to his plate.
“It was Wrenly,” I said quickly.
“That doesn’t make it better,” he said.
I patted his shoulder.“The past is in the past.I’m not holding all of Lianna’s office pawing against you, am I?”
When he glanced at me, gold flecks were shimmering into existence in his irises.“I wish you would.”
“Eat your breakfast, Konni.We’re already running late.”
Both Moms hid their smiles as I hurried to finish my egg-topped avocado toast and rushed Konni out the door.
Thanks to Kaya, I had an idea that would benefit Steele Corp, me, and potentially Konni’s investigation, which I ran by Konni on the way to the office.After hearing it, he called Garth.
