a

s underneath her, her eyes burning with curiosity, and an optimisti

h a slow nod, m

punching the air with her fist. "You got

which eventually forced h

replaced by a seriou

only looking out for me in the best way she could. She had been generously hosting me in her apartment, despite my not contributing financially.

you think so? Don't doubt it, Kaida. T

usive reaction as insincere or motivated by ulterior motives. She

could do while staying here - doing chores until her arrival from work. I had arrived earlier than Meredith from Ragnar

way, and I couldn't understand why. I detested him. I hissed through clenched teeth as I ima

r meeting, I didn't realize I had reached the kitchen and stubbed my big toe against the island. Thankfully,

ace, accompanied by a tantalizing smell that evoked a smile and a rumble in my stomac

elight, coming over to

ed as we worked in tandem setting the

ger for more details about my interview. She had been weary from her day at

e to deviate from my plan to fill her in on the details later, afte

ing," she groaned, rolling her eyes

e washing down her food with water. I hadn't caught what she said earlier, so I paus

morning,"

t soon? Good," she said, nodding a

giving me a skeptical look. "You know me, girl," I drawled, my mouth curling int

th stated matter-of-factly, poin

're as mean as they're rumored, the pay'

girl!" Mere

e talked about the pay first. What was the point of the interview then and asking you to resume t

y, with my mind clearly written off working for them. The next, he took me by storm with his words. My brain had sort of maxed out on emotions, and intelligence seemed to have deserted m

job requirements and compensation b

house tomorrow morning, fully prepared. I had been thrown off balance by both brothers I met earlier today. I n

ed to them for months, given the magnitude of my debts. So, you understand my predicament, right? I couldn't affor

ing up that topic first th

e chase. What's

g in my head as I contemplated the s

elt tense, anxious, and excited all at once. I was about to embark on a challenging s

edith's voic

g. The plate splashed, spilling water from the sink

thoughtful expression, he

t is

ve never liked them from the start, s

ected. "I need the job, and as long as it pays

edith began

em is a financial opportunity I desperately need. I'll deal

"Are you certain about this? Don't hesitate to reconsider; if you

ling a warmth in my heart at

ckling. I laughed along with her, feeling so

d. Tomorrow would present its own set of trials, but I was ready. I

ow. Bring it on, future bosses