Chapter 2

That half-hearted scolding set Eva off like a match to gasoline.

"Why should I?"

Her eyes turned red in a split second. Tears spilled down her cheeks on command.

"You gave me tacit approval! You said as long as I'm happy, I can do anything in this office! Now that you see her getting angry, you dump all the blame on me?"

She sniffled, her voice climbing to a shout. "Isn't it just because she's a rich heiress and I'm just a wage slave?"

She wept like a tragic heroine, raising the ballpoint pen as if to smash it on the floor.

"You rich people are impossible to please! Do ordinary people not have the right to make a joke? Fine. I won't be an eyesore anymore—I'll leave!"

She covered her face and turned to rush out.

"Stop!"

Nathan didn't hesitate. Two strides and he caught her wrist, pulling her back. Her sobs crescendoed, her body swaying like she might faint. He sighed, restraining her struggles, his tone softening to something unbearably gentle.

"Alright, alright, stop crying. Who said they look down on you? It's such a small thing—is it worth these tears?"

After soothing Eva, he finally turned to me.

The gentleness vanished. Only weariness remained.

"Lily, you saw it yourself. Eva is new to society. She's sensitive and has strong self-esteem. She's just childlike—she likes to play. Don't lower yourself to her level. Let's just drop it, okay?"

A scoff tore from my chest. Something cold and tight wrapped around my ribs like iron bands.

Nathan sighed. He stepped forward, reaching to peel the sticker off my forehead. But the label was industrial-grade. The adhesive clung like it had fused with my skin.

The moment he pulled, pain flared across my hairline.

*Hiss.* I flinched, jerking my head away.

"Don't move." Annoyance sharpened his voice. "Stuck on this tight? Why didn't you dodge when she put it on?"

I stared at him.

*What kind of logic was this? A knife stabs into flesh, and you blame the flesh for being too soft?*

When he couldn't peel it off, he grabbed tissues and tried to wipe away the words *"Near-expiry inventory"* scrawled in marker.

Useless. Oil-based ink doesn't budge once it dries. Instead of cleaning it, he smeared the black ink across my forehead and brow bone like a massive bruise.

I didn't need a mirror. My carefully applied makeup was destroyed. I looked hideous.

*Pfft.*

Eva watched the spectacle, one hand pressed over her mouth, barely concealing her malicious delight.

"Nathan, stop wiping. The more you wipe, the more she looks like a painted opera mask." She checked her watch with exaggerated panic. "Oh no, it's almost six! The tech summit is starting. This is our big chance to showcase the new system to investors. We can't be late."

I slapped Nathan's hand away. Ice crept into my voice.

"Does she have even a shred of remorse?"

Nathan stiffened. His tone softened, but only slightly. "Lily, stop being angry. Back then, didn't you tell me Eva's background was pitiful? You asked me to take care of her. She's just fascinated by the new systems and wanted to interact with you."

My nails bit into my palms. The physical sting was nothing compared to the frost spreading through my chest.

Yes. I was the soft-hearted fool.

When Eva Harding couldn't afford tuition and cried while working the night shift at a convenience store, I felt pity. I pulled her out of her poverty, sponsored her through college, and when she couldn't find a job, I arranged for her to enter Nathan's company as a management trainee.