Chapter 33
Melissa crouched down to grab her resume, only for a passerby to step on it, leaving a giant, filthy shoe print right in the middle. She stared at it. her frustration bubbling over.
“Oh no, did I drop that? My bad,” Hannah said, her tone syrupy with fake concern. She crossed her arms, staring down at Melissa like she was a bug to be squashed.
Melissa took a deep breath, biting back her anger. She picked up the crumpled, dirty resume, stood tall, and locked eyes with Hannah. “Don’t you think you’re taking this a little too far?”
Hannah smirked, feigning innocence. Too far! Come on, Melissa. I said it wasn’t on purpose. Why so upright? Or… did you really think I’d still treat you like a queen, like back in the day?”
Melissa slipped the resume back into her folder, her tone calm but cutting. “You’re gloating over trash. What’s there to be proud of?”
Hannah’s laugh was loud and mocking. “Traskt Melissa, you’re the last person who can afford to call anything trash. Let’s not forget who dumped you–Hugh. And now? I’m Mrs. Wallaker. I don’t have to run around with resumes, begging for jobs. So yeah. I’m pretty proud of myself.
Melissa clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms. Humiliation churned in her gut, but she kept her expression steady.
Hannah, enjoying the moment, leaned in closer. “You know, I always thought you had potential. We were friends once, weren’t we? Let me do you a favor. Hugh set me up with my own studio. If you’re willing to work under me carry my bags, pick up my kid–1 might throw you a job. What do you think!”
Melissa’s lips curved into a frosty smile. Work for you? Sorry, I’m not in the business of tarnishing my reputation”
Hannah clicked her tongue, shaking her head in mock piry. “See, that’s the problem with you. You’ve got nothing to your name but still act like you’re better than everyone. Wake up, Melissa. You’re not the campus queen anymore. You’re just some washed–up wannabe with a resume nobody wants, while I’m the one sitting on top. Face it I’ve won
Melissa met Hannah’s smug gaze head–on, her voice icy but firm. “TE by winning you mean breaking up someone else’s relationship to play house with their husband, you can keep your prize. I wouldn’t want it even if you handed it to me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, Mrs. Wallaker”
he turned and walked away without a backward glance, leaving Hannah momentarily stunned before her smirk returned.
she
Back at her apartment, Melissa paced back and forth, her frustration boiling over Job hunting was hard enough, but now Hannah had decided to stick her nose in and make things worse.
The thought of running into her in professional circles made Melissa’s stomach churn. But she shook her head–Hannah wasn’t worth the energy There were more important things to focus on.
Yet the next day brought nothing but more rejection. None of the companies, she’d met at the job fair reached out, not even the one where she’d had a promising conversation
Determined to find answers, Melissa called one of the recruiters to follow up.
The man’s tone was hesitant, clearly uncomfortable. “Uh, Ms. Bush, I’m sorry, but after further review, your qualifications don’t quite meet our requirements.”
Melissa’s frustration spilled over. “That’s odd. Two days ago, you said your company valued potential over experience. My background seemed like
great fa.”
The man sighed heavily, his reluctance clear. “Ms. Bash, I really liked your work, and I do think you’re talented. But… have you upset someone recently” My boss gave me explică instructions not to move forward with your application.”
The realization hit Melissa like a slap in the face. ‘Hannah Carpenter. That smug, vindictive woman must’ve pulled some strings to sabotage me she thought.
Melissa’s chest tightened with anger. This job hunt was critical–she couldn’t afford to let Hannah’s petty games get in the way. She tracked down the address of Hannah’s studio and stormed over, ready to confront her.
But when she arrived, she was stopped at the entrance by a security guard who refused to let her in.
Hannah didn’t even try to hide her amusement when Melissa stormed into her studio.
Instead, she plastered on a fake smile, her voice dripping with mockery. “Melissa! Finally come to your senses and derided to beg me for a job? What a shame, though. All the designer roles are filled. The only spot left is for cleaning staff. You’re okay with that, right!”
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