usual laid-back vibe. I leaned against the counter, chopping carrots, stealing glances at him every now and

about his off-key humming, Janice burst

declared, flopping onto

t," I said, smirking as I dropped t

t's a joke. Everyone's so... rich. And they think they

s already forming. "Sounds like y

kicking her feet

counter, crossing his arms. "Let me guess. There

at him suspiciously. "

h," Orion said,

ow at her. "So, w

"He's always picking on me, stealing my lunch

hting a grin. "Ma

a look of pure disgust. "

sure about that? Boys have a funny way

No way. He's mean. And annoying. He's more like... I don't

t her. "So, you're sayi

ed, throwing her hands

is head. "Lyra, you're t

king. "It's my j

rt me!" Janice shot b

o hide my grin. "I support y

g an apple from the counter and bit

level. "Look, kiddo, if he's really bothering you, sta

ned slightly. "You me

in quickly.

physically. Just stand your ground. S

s, nodding slowly. "Y

er hair. "But if he doesn't ba

anice quipped, he

hest dramatically. "

ice hopped off the stool. "Dinner

he disappeared around the corner, she turned back and stuc

alled after

-

n turned to me, his expression softening.

counter. "She's alright, I g

ornness," he a

said, pretendin

" he teased, holding h

to the carrots. Orion's voice

about getting back

oulder. "Orion, we've talked about t

r. "You've got a gift, Lyra. The way you see the wo

that simple. It's a luxury career, and I can't afford

t. But you don't have to give up on something you love j

words striking a chord

hter, "I know someone who might b

brow. "And who

simply, his

ng my head. "You

ing," he pointed out,

e smile lingered. "We'll

, I couldn't help but feel grateful. Orion had a way of making everything s

the moment, a nagging thought linge

him out of my head, he always fou

*

sers. Practical, professional, and safe. I pulled my hair into a low bun, letting only a few strands es

rificed eno

ke a challenge, one I wasn't

me, as it always did. Adrian's driver was nothing if not

word, and I slid into the backseat, foldin

oncrete, but something felt off. I glanced out the windo

" I asked, my tone s

hrough the rearview mirror. "Mr. Sterling

t. Why would Adrian want me there? Was thi