Chapter30
Her adoptive parents were rarely home. Her two older brothers were still abroad. The house was full of servants who had no clue how to read the room–and the only other living thing there was a Doberman in the backyard.
She didn’t have friends at school either. Everyone acted like Dora was still royalty, and she was the outsider. No one cared what she had to say. No one tried to understand how hard it all was. ‘What am I supposed to do–have heart–to–hearts with the dog?” she thought.
Kayla took her hand gently, her voice soft and warm. “I get it, Linda.. Going from an ordinary home to suddenly being thrown into the world of the rich–it’s overwhelming. There’s so much to learn, so much pressure. If you’re ever upset or just need someone to talk to, come to me. I may not have all the answers, but getting it off your chest helps more than you think.”
Linda squeezed her hand back, eyes full of gratitude. “Thank you, Kayla ”
After a moment’s thought, she asked, “Kayla. is the reason everyone sides with Dora because of that guy–Byron?”
She’d noticed it yesterday. Byron wasn’t even in their class, yet everyone treated him with this weird level of deference. And the way he and Dora interacted–there was something between them, something unspoken but
obvious.
‘Could it be that even without the Hendrix family status, Dora still held sway just because of some deep connection to Byron?” she thought.
That was part of it–Byron’s presence certainly helped–but Kayla didn’t know all the details. So she kept it vague.
“Dora’s known Byron, Effic, and Derrick for years. Their friendship isn’t about status or gain–it’s real”
Especially with Byron–he was the only one in their circle who’d already taken over his family’s business. He and Dora had grown up together, childhood friends who were practically inseparable. They weren’t officially dating, but anyone with half a brain could tell there was more going on there.
And Ellie–only child, future heir of the Merritt family–was practically Dora’s sister in everything but blood. Their bond ran deeper than most sibling relationships.
With those two backing her, it didn’t matter that Dora no longer bore the Hendrix family name–no one in their world dared to cross her.
And, truth be told. Kayla had to admit: Dora really was the kind of person who stood out on her own.
But she didn’t say that last part aloud, so Linda assumed Dora’s influence came solely from Byron and Effie propping her up.
She tilted her head, curious. “Is the Hodges family really that powerful?”
Kayla explained patiently, “The Hodges family is one of the earliest- established powerhouses in Yredo City’s elite circle. Their wealth and influence are on par with the Hendrix family, and the two have long- standing business ties. But about a year ago, Byron’s parents–who were running the family at the time–got into a car accident. They’ve been in a coma ever since, so Byron had no choice but to take over.”
This was no secret in Yredo City’s high society. Byron had a reputation.
Back then, he’d just graduated from high school. He gave up the chance to study abroad and stepped straight into running the Hodges family empire.
And he hadn’t just kept things afloat–he ran the business like a pro. No
scandals, no slip–ups. Everything was efficient and well–managed. Even the older generation respected him. These days, they all called him “Mr. Hodges.”
As Kayla spoke, Linda tightened her grip on the hem of her skirt, deep in thought.
The Hendrix family and Hodges family were close. If Byron becomes my fiance… then Dora wouldn’t stand a chance at threatening my place again.” Linda thought.
*****
In a worn–down apartment building, Chris was testing out a new recipe. for steak that day, and with so many ingredients to prep, Alberto stayed home to help instead of taking his usual driving job.
When he opened the door and saw Erin, he froze for a moment–then remembered Dora had mentioned last night that Erin would be stopping by with workers.
He quickly stepped aside and welcomed him in with polite enthusiasm. “Erin! Come in, come in.”
Erin walked in, nodding respectfully. “Sure.”
Then, catching sight of a figure busy in the kitchen, he raised his voice slightly. “Hello, I’m Dora’s friend. I brought the crew over to start the renovations–hope we’re not interrupting anything?”
Chris quickly washed her hands and came out to greet him, flustered but smiling. “Of course not! You’re the one doing us a favor–thank you. I haven’t had time to clear the room yet, though.”
