“I guess I won’t be able to make it, then.” Every free afternoon had already been neatly scheduled by Vera. “Let me see if I can rearrange things…”

“No, no, don’t trouble yourself.” Joyce waved her hands quickly. “It’s just a company tour. You should focus on your own work–it’s more important.”

Alessia looked puzzled but didn’t push for details. Seeing Joyce about to leave, she turned away too, but the next second, Joyce paused again.

“But, there’s this party coming up. Would you go with me? I’m not sure exactly when yet–just that it’s in the evening. It’s a party for young people. I’ve never been to one before, and honestly, I’m a little nervous.”

Alessia raised an eyebrow, then nodded. “Do I need a dress for it?”

“It’s just a casual get–together. Nothing too fancy.”

“Alright. Just let me know a day ahead, and I’ll be there.”

“Okay.” Joyce nodded, but Alessia’s promise didn’t seem to make her any happier.

Once in bed, with the dorm lights switched off, Joyce found herself unable to sleep. She tossed and turned, the creaking of her mattress drawing a groan from Mia.

“Sorry,” Joyce whispered, trying to lie still. Her phone buzzed several times in a row; she hurried to silence it.

It was a message from Fortune. He’d sent several photos–shots of her bustling back and forth at the auditorium, taken without her noticing. She was surprised, almost delighted, seeing herself from someone else’s perspective for the first time. She scrolled through them, pausing at one where she stood to ask a question to a guest.

calm and confident. Only she knew that, at that moment, her palms had been slick with

1/3

09:08

Chapter 428

“Thank you,” she typed.

“You’re still awake?”

barely hit send before Fortune

Why are

should send them to you right away.

imagined Fortune scratching

by the way–have you decided about the party? Are you coming?” He attached a hopeful

fingers hovered over the keyboard, the phone’s glow casting shifting shadows over her face as her

to herself, turned the phone on

up–just something comfortable. It’s mostly my friends, and I really wanted to

the whole time.”

felt genuine, as if he truly wanted her there. As if he was inviting her into

fine. I asked Lessie, and she said to tell her a day in

you mention

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