Queenie frowned, but Alessia didn’t seem the <b>least </b>bit surprised.


    “You’re allowed to bring a plus–one to these events. With Sienna’s family background, it’s no wonder she managed to get in.”


    “But what exactly happened with her?”


    “We were both chosen by our professor to represent the school in the uing showcase. You know, our college is famous for producing top jewelry designers, so the event attracts a lot of industry professionals. Our professor had high hopes. for both of us, but then a well–known designer used Sienna of giarizing one of his early pieces.”


    Alessia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “And?”


    “Well, you can imagine how it went. She was forced to withdraw from the showcase, got pped with awsuit, and the professor’s attitude toward her changed overnight. Add in all the snide remarks from our ssmates, and her pride just couldn’t take it. So she dropped out.”


    “What’s any of that got to do with you?”


    Well, it wasn’t entirely unrted. After all, Queenie had tipped off the designer. But all she did was quietly drop a hint. If Sienna hadn’t tried to cut corners or tried to sabotage Queenie by copying that designer’s old debut piece–none of this would’ve happened.


    Of course, Queenie kept these thoughts to herself.


    “My reputation started growing after that incident. Maybe she mes me for what happened. I mean, I didn’t really do anything, but I did end up benefiting the most from the whole mess.”


    Queenie shrugged, feigning innocence.


    Alessia didn’t press further. She nodded, finally understanding why Sienna harbored so much resentment toward Queenie. It was jealousy, in and simple.


    “Let’s not talk about her anymore,” Queenie said, waving it off.


    Then she grinned and nudged Alessia yfully. “So, how did I do today? Pretty good, right?”


    “You were fantastic,” Alessia replied, ruffling Queenie’s hair with genuine affection. Her voice was warm, brimming with approval.


    12:42


    “But it’s gettingte, I should head out. Don’t stay up too long, okay? I’ll swing by the clinicter and mix up some medicine for you–make sure you drink it,” Alessia added, almost out of habit. She gently took Queenie’s wrist, checking her pulse. Satisfied there was nothing amiss, she still couldn’t resist nagging a bit.


    Queenie was used to it by now. Far from being annoyed, she justughed and agreed, teasing Alessia with a pout and a grin to cheer her up.


    They chatted a little longer about nothing in particr before finally parting ways. When Alessia stepped outside, she found Liam waiting at the door. He’d swapped his tailored suit for a casual hoodie, pulled a cap low over his face, and wore a mask–doing his best to keep a low profile.


    He wasn’t the same unknown singer stuck performing in bars anymore. These days, he was a bonafide star with millions of fans.


    With talent, smart PR moves, and the mystery of his early days when he kept his face hidden, it was no surprise to Alessia that he’d be such a sensation.


    “Let’s go<i>,</i><i>” </i>Liam said, ruffling her hair as she approached.


    “Where’s Lillian?”


    “She wanted to keep an eye on the charts at the office, so I told her to take the car and head back.”


    Funny enough, the Morton family home wasn’t too far from here.


    They hadn’t realized it at first, but since moving in, the perks had be obvious. The area was busy, packed with shopping districts, and most major social events took ce nearby. Everything was convenient–and a lot safer, too.


    They walked side by side,fortable in the quiet that settled between them.


    “So, what did she say to you?” Liam asked, clearly not buying Alessia’s story that she’d “identally” spilled orange juice on someone’s dress.