Jessica's entourage giggled behind her, like they were auditioning for a villainous role in some bad teen drama. I could feel their eyes on me, hungry for a reaction.
I met her gaze calmly. "Jessica, you might want to reconsider who you pick a fight with today. I'm not in the mood."
She raised an eyebrow, clearly unbothered by my words. "Oh, really? And what are you gonna do? Cry? Maybe beg for scraps like you did when Sinclair found you?"
Her words were sharp, but they didn't cut as deep as she intended. I smirked. "It's funny you think you know everything about me. It must be exhausting, keeping track of who's beneath you every day."
Jessica crossed her arms, her posture oozing superiority. "Please. You're hardly worth my time, but now that you're not the '
Rosette Lady'
you pretended to be, I figured I'd give you a reality check. You're nothing."
I felt a spark of irritation flare, but I didn't let it show. Instead, I leaned in, voice steady and cold. "I may not have blood ties to the Rosettes, but at least I earned my place in this world. You? You're just your parents' puppet. Without them, what are you? A spoiled brat who can't even spell
'reality check'
without their help?"
Her eyes flashed with fury, and she took a step closer. "At least I know where I come from! Who's going to marry an orphan like you? What kind of future do you even have? Probably begging for crumbs when Sinclair's gone."
I laughed lightly, shaking my head. "Marriage? Is that the best you've got, Jessica? I'd rather be an orphan with potential than a pampered princess who can't stand on her own two feet. Your parents may protect you now, but one day, you'll have to figure things out without them. And trust me, no one's gonna be there to wipe your tears when you fail."
nobody'
status.
But I wasn't about to give her, or anyone else, the satisfaction.
"Really?" I said, laughing. "You really think they're your friends? They stick around because they're afraid of the tantrum you'll throw if they don't. But keep dreaming."
Jessica's friends exchanged awkward glances while the former's face contorted with anger. "At least I'm not alone like you! You don't even have real friends."
I shrugged. "I'd rather have no friends than fake ones. But don't worry—I'm not as alone as you think."
Jessica was fuming now, her usual confidence cracking. She stepped closer, almost nose to nose with me. "You think you're better than me? You're trash, Eve. And everyone is seeing that now."
I smiled, unbothered. "Keep telling yourself that. Just remember—you came at me first. And when your little empire collapses, I'll still be standing, while you're left wondering why no one wants to help you up."
Jessica's jaw clenched, her eyes burning with rage. Her entourage stayed silent, exchanging uneasy glances.
Unable to think of a retort, Jessica's frustration boiled over. Her eyes flared with anger, and before I could react, her hand flew toward me, landing a sharp slap across my cheek.
The sting burned through my skin, but I didn't hesitate. My fist clenched instinctively, and without a second thought, I struck back, aiming straight for her nose. The satisfying crack echoed in the room as she stumbled backward, clutching her face.
Blood trickled from her nose, and her wide, shocked eyes met mine. "Y-You! Bitch! You hit me!" she screamed, her voice trembling with disbelief.
I didn't flinch, my gaze locked on hers, burning with cold fury. "You hit me first," I said, my voice steady but laced with menace. "What? Did you think I wouldn't retaliate? Just know, I don't do catfights. If you come at me again, be prepared to lose your teeth and nails."