BuzzNovel“I don’t think so. | don’t really fit in at places like this.” Joyce kept her head down, desperate to escape, already
wishing she could shed these borrowed clothes that didn’t feel like her at all.
“Don’t worry about it,” Fortune replied, giving her shoulder a reassuring pat. “It’s just a casual dinner for the
younger crowd-nothing too formal. Just relax, okay? Besides, you've got me.”
Only then did Joyce realize how close they were standing. She instinctively stepped away, putting sdistance
between them.
Fortune didn’t seem bothered; he simply withdrew his hand and smiled gently, as if nothing had happened.
“If you're nervous, you can ask Alessia to cand keep you company. She's used to these kinds of events, and
you know her well. The first tis always a bit overwhelming, but having a friendly face there makes
everything easier.”
He spoke lightly, then suddenly turned to her, hands spread in a gesture of helplessness.
“But maybe don’t mention that I'm the one hosting, alright? She and I... well, you know. There's sawkward
history.”
Joyce didn’t respond, so Fortune continued, his tone soft and persuasive.
“Honestly, once you're out in the real world, you'll probably have to attend these sorts of dinners sooner or later.
Think of it as practice. Everyone invited tonight is either wealthy or well-connected-if you play your cards right,
you might land an internship even better than Quantum Flux. That could mean more opportunities after
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtgraduation. Really, there's nothing to lose here. Why not give it a try?”
His words flowed like honey, tempting and sly-like the serpent coaxing Eve to take a bite of the forbidden fruit.
He sounded as if he had nothing but her best interests at heart, but
1/3
09:07
Chapter 426
something about it made Joyce uneasy.
“Why are you helping me? Is it because of Lessie?” Joyce searched his eyes, trying to see through him, but his
gaze was calm and unreadable.
“Helping you is helping myself, too,” Fortune answered, meeting her stare without a hint of embarrassment.
“Helping yourself?” Joyce echoed, puzzled.
“I admire your drive and ambition. I'd be glad to be a part of your network, to help you get ahead. In our circle,
connections are everything.”
“But what kind of connection am 1? | don’t have money or a fancy background.” Joyce gave a self-deprecating
laugh.
“That's exactly where you're wrong,” Fortune replied, eyes wide in exaggerated surprise. The expression was so
over-the-top, Joyce couldn't help but crack a smile for the first tthat evening.
“Connections aren't just about money or status. Betting on someone with potential can be far more rewarding
than chasing after the already established. Take Alessia-she’s surrounded by big shots, but most of them got
where they are because she mentored them herself. No one can cbetween those bonds. Honestly, I'm a
little jealous.”
“But... aren’t there better candidates than me?” Joyce's voice was
tentative, almost a whisper.
Fortune hesitated, rubbing his earlobe with a sheepish look. His ears.
turned a faint shade of red.
“Well, what can | say? | just want you.” He looked away, too shy to meet her eyes.
Joyce felt her own cheeks heat up and ducked her head, suddenly flustered.
Neither of them spoke, but the
unspoken tension beterctierh
I .
arewthick( nearly tangible. The
content is on novelenglish.net! Read
the latest chapter there!
Someone else, watching from across the room, felt jealousy surge
212
09:07
Chapter 426
inside-an urge to break up this maddeningly ambiguous moment.
“Fortune, how's the photography
coming along?” cq: glub 11
PrEgpent from Ge ther side of the
room. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
“1-1 should go,” Fortune stammered, making his exit.
“Okay...” Joyce's reply was barely more than a whisper.
She didn’t dare look up as he walked away.
In her trembling hand, the business
card she held was Je erampled
beyopdeeonfifioh; ough she didn’t
evén notice. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
