Chapter26
So he built his own team. For important jobs, he only trusted his people to handle it. Of course, under normal circumstances, those labor costs would show up on the invoice. He had to keep the business afloat, after all.
But between friends? He didn’t nickel–and–dime. And he never once made a fuss about it.
Dora had always thought Erin had a bad temper–sharp tongue, zero patience, never lost an argument–but he was loyal and solid. His personality was actually pretty great once you got past the noise. And truthfully, he only cursed people out when they deserved it.
Like when clients had no taste. Or when someone treated him like a
servant.
Which, honestly, wasn’t his fault. Those people deserved to be called out.
After transferring the full amount–every last cent–she’d barely set her phone down when a message from Erin popped up.
Erin: [Yo, perfect timing–you’re still up. I swear to God, Linda is certifiably insane. Guess what she just called me? Said I was some low- rent decorator! Seriously, where does she get this superiority complex? She’s still talking like there are nobles and commoners. Honestly, I don’t think she’s human–she’s a walking delusion.]
[And then she tried to threaten me with the Hendrix family name! Said if I didn’t give her a design draft, it meant I was ‘disrespecting the Hendrix family,‘ and that I should prepare to be blacklisted. Like, what? She really thinks the Hendrix family is the imperial palace or something. I almost laughed myself to death. If I could, I’d send an excavator to dig out whatever’s floating around in her brain.]
And Jerrold and Audra?? Must be out of their minds too. Kicking you out just to keep her? They’re usually so calculating–how did they mess this one up so bad?]
Best part? She called me ranting like a lunatic, and not two minutes. later, I got a formal invite to the Hendrix family’s ‘recognition party.” Tell me, should I show up just to slap her with my presence?]
Dora stared at the message for a second.
Aside from being a little dramatic and loud, he was honestly kind of great.
Her eyes landed on the last sentence, and she let out a small laugh before typing back just two words. [Grow up.]
Of course, Erin wasn’t the only one who could be childish around here.
“Of course I’m going to the Hendrix family’s recognition party! This kind of drama? I’m definitely live–streaming the whole thing for Dora.”
They ran into each other at the school gates. Derrick had just mentioned. getting an invitation when Effic, with an arm slung around Dora’s shoulders, struck a righteously indignant pose–but her expression was all smug delight at Linda’s misfortune.
Derrick knew exactly what Effic was like and gave her a look. “Don’t tell me you’re planning to stir up trouble? This is the Hendrix family we’re talking about. If you cross the line, your parents will have your hide.”
They could openly show their dislike for Linda because everyone knew about the power struggle between the Hendrix family’s two sons. Linda. was just a pawn, a bargaining chip for sealing a business alliance.
People with no real worth–well, offending them didn’t cost much.
The Hendrix family had four generations in politics and six in business.
By now, their power and status were no joke. Causing a scene at a
recognition party would be a direct slap in the face to the family. No one would walk away from that unscathed.
And Ellie? She wasn’t clueless.
She said calmly, “Why would I need to do anything? Haven’t you heard? The two Hendrix brothers are coming back from overseas.”
“You serious?” Derrick was visibly shocked. He instinctively turned to Dora, like he was hoping for confirmation.
Dora’s eyes froze for half a second before she shrugged with a smile. “How would I know? I’m just a broke high school student now. My intel. doesn’t come close to yours.”
“Even broke, you’re still a rich girl at heart,” Derrick teased, lifting an eyebrow.
“Dora!”
Someone called out. She stopped and turned. The guy approaching wore the school uniform–white shirt, dark trousers–but had the top two buttons. undone, giving him a laid–back, slightly rakish vibe.
“Whitney?” Effic squinted at his exposed collarbone, then groaned dramatically. “Can you please learn how to button a shirt? I feel like scrubbing my eyeballs.”
“What’s it to you?” Whitney shot her a look, then turned to Dora. “That painting you submitted–pretty interesting. I wanted to talk to you about the usage rights.”
Dora smiled. “It’s going up for auction. Once it’s sold, the buyer might not want to share.”
“No problem. I’ll just buy it,” Whitney replied casually, like it was no big
deal–like he was buying a soda, not a painting.
