"Attending the birthday party of a rich heiress is my absolute honor. How could I say no?"
Skye chuckled.
She was eager to see how the other half lived.
She had no idea how families like Zara's celebrated birthdays.
She heard Sloane's last birthday bash was incredibly lavish.
It was hosted at an exclusive mountain resort that regular people couldn't even afford to look at.
Naturally, someone from a comfortable but perfectly average background like Skye was intensely curious.
"She's right, the honor is ours."
Claire agreed with a bright smile.
When it was Lex's turn, she hesitated.
Lex had been looking deeply troubled lately, but the others had been so busy they completely forgot to check in on her.
Everyone turned to look at Lex.
"Come on, Linsey, you should go. It's a dorm trip, so we have to stick together."
Skye shook Lex's arm.
Lex looked hesitant. "I think I'll pass. I have a part-time job this weekend."
Zara blurted out, "How much does your shift pay? I'll just transfer the money to you!"
"No, no, please don't!" Lex panicked, practically stumbling backward.
Zara had already helped her so much, and she was always the most generous when paying for Lex's domestic services.
If Claire hadn't convinced her to accept the money with a clear conscience and just return the favor when she was financially stable, Lex never would have taken so much cash.
Hearing Zara offer her more money instantly put Lex on edge.
"Then just take the day off. It's not like it's a whole day anyway; just come for the evening. It won't take up too much of your time." Zara wasn't trying to force Lex to attend her birthday party.
She just felt that a group activity should include everyone.
If Lex didn't go, it would look like they were leaving her out.
Zara prided herself on having reined in her temper since starting college, and she genuinely wanted to get along with her roommates.
She refused to give Zoe any more ammunition to mock her for having no friends on campus.
That would be completely humiliating!
"Will it really just be for the evening?"
Lex thought about the tutoring session she had scheduled for that night.
If she really missed it, she would have to reschedule, and she wasn't sure if the parents would agree.
"Yes, just the evening," Zara promised.
"Lex, you should use this chance to
take a break. You look completel
exhausted lately. Is everything okay at home?
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Claire looked at Lex with concern. If she kept pushing herself like this, she was going to collapse.
"I..."
Lex lowered her head.
She hadn't planned on telling her roommates, and she certainly didn't want Claire worrying about her problems.
After all, she had sworn she would cut ties with her family and stop letting them bleed her dry.
But her brother had called to say their mother had taken a bad fall and was completely bedridden.
Her fatheoldly stated that if Lex
sent money, they would pay for
medical treatment she did
the
would just leave her to suffer.
Lex had immediately caved.
Her mother was the only person in the family who ever showed her any kindness.
Even if her mother favored her brother, she still loved Lex in her own way.
She remembered how, when she was little, her mother would
fet
abolted egg wheney made
her she them for her brother
Of course, her brother got them almost every day, while she was lucky to get one every few months.
Even then, if her grandmother caught them, her mother would take a beating for it. Lex knew her mother was powerless.
She felt terrible for her, but she desperately wanted to break free from her toxic family's financial drain.
Lex was torn, though her inner conflict didn't stop her from hustling for money.
As for sending it back, she hadn't made up her mind yet.
If she did send it, she needed a solid excuse.
She couldn't let them realize she had a steady income to tap into whenever they
pleased.