THE BILLIONAIRE HEART

tarting to smell up the kitchen!" Nora's voice cut

wncast. She moved toward the kitchen, trying to

her tone dripping with sarcasm. "It's no

sts, forcing a smile. "

, leaning against the counter with a smirk. "Why don't y

rying to ignore the laughter echoing behind her. As she tossed the bag into the bin,

an before. "I need you to help with the flower arrang

ressing the irritation bubbling with

her hair over her shoulder dismissiv

ing her feet to move back towar

d, rolling her eyes as she walked past Cynthi

h over her. "I won't ruin it," she sa

and chaos around her. The extravagant decor and luxury of the Clark home felt suffocat

em get to you?" came a so

ho had been a kind presence in her life. "I do

now that?" Sarah said, her

hat does that even look like? I'm just

u credit for," Sarah replied, her voice steady and firm. "You

mile. "Thanks, Sarah. I a

say, you have a place in this worl

he flowers, their vibrant colors contrasting sharply with her dark thoughts. Each bloo

gain, sharp and impatient. "Are yo

" Cynthia called back

't want any mistakes

eart sinking. The pressure of perfectio

e, her phone buzzed on the counter. It w

coming to the gala tonigh

ring over the screen. **Cynthia: I'

ll be fun, I promise. Just a lit

e Lila and the weight of her family's expe

p!" Nora's voice cut thr

e lavish living room, where the gala preparations were in full swing. Elegant

's hands. "Place it on the dining table. And make su

he flowers exactly where she wanted them,

" Mark snickered, leaning against

s but kept her head down. "I'll do

d in, tossing her hair back. "You should ju

u, stop it! This is a big night for our fa

' eyes as they exchanged knowing glances. They thrived on thei

, "after this gala, we need to talk about your futur

?" Cynthia asked,

ut what you're doing with your life. No more l

stuttered, her throat dry

bills. You need to think practically. Y

r and sadness welling inside her. "I'm tryin

ot back, her voice rising agai

crushing her spirit. "I'll do my best," she repeated, thoug

ful to do," Nora snapped, dismis

to the cool evening air, desperate for a moment of peace. The garden was bea

nd Cynthia turned to see her friend a

a smile despite her turmoil. "I

," Lila said, her enthusiasm infectious. "Be

tly. "It's a full-t

pulling Cynthia back inside. "You can't let them ke

f the gala guests filled the air. Cynthia felt a mix of excitement and drea

utting through her thoughts with urgency. "Get over

replied, feeling h

n, the sound of laughter mingling with the clinking of glasses. She watched as

visible heiress. Don't you think you should change

s, refusing to rise to t

rking as he glanced at Lila. "But it's not

ed, her tone fierce. "Cynthia i

ossing his arms. "She'll always

?" Cynthia snapped, finally standing her groun

air had shifted. But just as quickly, he regained his composure and l

the conversation. "Cynthia, focus on you

rt racing as she turned away. "I'l