7
444words
At the post-conference mixer,my mentor and I were mobbed by tech CEOs.
Parched from networking,I slipped to the balcony for air.
In a breezy corner,I analyzed potential partner firms on my phone.
A sudden noise interrupted my thoughts—a group of garishly dressed women walked in.
Spotting a familiar face,I moved to leave.
But Jenna had alreadt seen me.
"Hey!"she called,stopping me.
She sauntered over,eyeing my simple suit and jewelry.
Relieved I seemed like a broke student,she said,"Sis,back from France and didn't tell me?I'd have welcomed you most warmly!"
"We're meeting now.Anything else?"I packed my briefcase to go.
My dismissal irritated her.She grabbed me."What's the rush?A broke student like you,what's so urgent?"
"What is this event?How'd you get in?I'll call security!"
The girls surrounding her chimed in,pointing fingers at me.
"Look at her outfit—probably snuck in as a waitress."
"Maybe she's here to charm some old rich guy."
They burst into laughter.
"Enough!My sister's been a star student since forever,"Jenna said,feigning affection,clutching my arm.
"But,sis,if you need a job or want to meet rich folks,just ask me.You can pick any job you want in Watts Inc.!"
She looked smug.
Her clique fawned,"Yeah,she's the GM's wife.Beg her—it's better than begging old men!"
Jenna glowed,sneering,"How about you kneel and beg?I'll hook you up with one."
"Kneel?"I glanced behind her."Mr.Watts,is this what it takes to work with you?"
Jenna turned,meeting a face barely containing rage—Leo's father,the real boss of Watts Inc.
"Mr.Watts—"She stepped forward timidly,but his murderous glare silenced her.
He turned to me,all warmth."Dr.Lane,nonsense!Name your terms for a partnership."
He smiled cautiously.
Jenna,baffled,couldn't think of why a big company's CEO was so deferential to a"broke student."
She stammered,"Did you mistake her as someone else?She's my sister—"
"Your sister?Impossible.This is the nation's youngest energy science PhD!"his secretary cut in.
Jenna paled as if she was struck by lightning.
"And what's Ms.Jenna's role at Watts Inc.,is it true that she had power over hiring?"I asked,smiling at Mr.Watts.
"A nobody who snuck in.No ties to us,"he said breezily.
The crowd around her erupted,whispering,"Isn't she the GM's wife?"
"She got my cousin a job just days ago!"
Mr.Watts,annoyed by the chatter,signaled his secretary.
"Let me clear something up:GM Leo Watts is currently unmarried.But good news—next month,he'll engaged to Ms.Lee from Horizon Group.You're all invited."
Jenna collapsed.
Under scornful stares,she felt stripped bare,muttering,"Impossible,Leo promised to marry me..."
"You're lying!I'm the GM's wife!"
"Get this delusional lunatic out!"Mr.Watts snapped,issuing her final eviction.
After the fiasco,I heard Leo ditched Jenna,kicking her out.
Two months later,she called me,asking for a meet.
