“So, Amanda,” one woman stated, giving me a smug smile.

“Aaliyah,” I corrected, giving them the fake smile they were giving me.

“Oh, yes, sorry, that was the last girl. So, Aaliyah, it’s nice to see Jason with someone who has a normal body type. One can only date so many supermodels.” She pursed her lips, and her evil partner in crime joined in.

He nodded once. “Here’s hoping this marriage lasts longer than the last two!”

Cringeworthy laughter from all involved.

“I think it’s good he’s finally thinking of settling down. Though, it does seem a bit rushed, don’t you think?” another woman questioned.

The man leaped back in. “Well, you know what they say, the only thing Jason jumps into faster than weddings is divorce.”

They all laughed again, having the time of their lives as they mocked me.

“I’m sorry, I was just going to head—” I tried to cut in, but they weren’t having it.

“How old did you say you were again, Alice?” the first woman asked me.

“Aaliyah,” I hissed, annoyance filling me up inside. “And I’m twenty-four.”

“Oh, so young! I swear, Jason makes them younger and younger each time,” she commented. I parted my lips to defend myself, but the guy dived into the conversation before I could.

“Well, good for you, Aaliyah. You’re living the new American dream. With Jason, money is no longer an issue, and I know you gen Z kids don’t want to work. You ever think of starting a blog? Maybe a YouTube channel?” Insert mocking laughter here.

“Actually, she’s an employee at one of the biggest magazine lines in the world, Wayne, unlike you, who still lives with your parents,” a familiar voice said, joining the conversation.

The amount of comfort that hit me as I turned to see Marie was astronomical.

She gave me a wink before turning back to the judgmental crowd. “And Ruby, isn’t it true that your husband just filed for bankruptcy? Perhaps you shouldn’t cast stones when you already have rocks in your own garden.”

Ruby huffed and puffed but didn’t say anything in response to Marie. It was clear who the queen bee was, and Marie Rollsfield sat on top of the throne. She stood like royalty, and the bullies retreated as if they were unworthy to take in the same air as her.

“A word of advice, love,” Marie said, turning to me with the brightest smile. “Don’t ever let peasants intimidate you. You are more than they could ever dream of becoming.”

“I’m quickly learning that I don’t think I really fit in with this business side of Jason’s world.”

“Good,” she agreed. “These people are animals. You don’t need or want to fit in with this world.” She gave me a sideways hug. “But you do fit in with our family, and that’s all that matters. I always wanted a daughter.”

If she knew how much I’d always wanted a mother, too…

“What about Jason’s business partner, Connor? Is he one of the good ones?” I asked, trying to seem nonchalant about it but curious about what kind of business person he was.

“One of the most genuine human beings in this world. He’s a good person—which isn’t common to come across in our world. I’m a bit shocked that the dark side of the business hasn’t crushed him yet, but he always seems to make mountains out of molehills. It seems he has angels in his corner. I’m glad Jason is working with him. Even though Jason is older, Walter and I hope Connor can be a bit of a mentor to him. He has a good head on his shoulders. With his help, Jason can do big things.”

I smiled, pleased with the knowledge that Connor was just as good a person as he had been when I crossed paths with him two years earlier.

Marie lightly nudged my arm and whispered, “Now, go get your breath of fresh air before the hyenas come in and attack again.”

I smiled. “How did you know I was running to get some air?”

“Oh, sweetheart, don’t forget, I was you once upon a time—the outsider brought into a world unknown where people judged me for my looks, for my skin tone, for my lack of finances. I remember needing a few quick escapes from time to time. If you go to the left, take the elevator to the rooftop. The view is beautiful. Just remember, when you take those breaks, strengthen that invisible crown of yours and remember who you are, and remember you have a whole team in your corner now.”

9

Connor

If you looked up the definition of people person, you would find a picture of me smiling ear to ear. I prided myself on my extrovert ways and how I loved meeting people of all types. One of my superpowers was my ability to find common ground with anyone and everyone—except for Jason-fucking-Rollsfield. When it came to my disdain for an individual, he was at the top of my list. He was the only one on the list, honestly.