Chapter 435
Claw machine?
Secretary Wallace paused, momentarily taken aback.
Over the years, he’d delivered Gordon all sorts of things-classified documents, computers, you name it. But a claw machine? That was a first.
He must have misheard. He definitely woke up too fast this morning. That had to be it. There was no way Gordon had just asked what he thought he’d heard.
Clearing his throat, Wallace ventured, still uncertain, “Sir, do you mean… the claw machines they have at arcades p>
“Yes,” Gordon replied, his tone icy.
Just the thought of leaving that arcade without winning a single plush toy gnawed at him. Gordon was fiercely competitive-whatever he did, he had to be the best. And failing in front of Caitlin? Unacceptable.
Wallace licked his dry lips. “Understood, sir. I’ll get right on it p>
He hung up in a daze, still not convinced he’d heard correctly. He must be losing it. But apparently, he hadn’t imagined it after all.
Why on earth did Gordon want a claw machine? Was the Sylvester Group planning to buy up arcades now? He shook his head. He didn’t get it.
The following day, Caitlin went to a boutique to pick out a dress for the upcoming Arts Gala. After settling on a gown, she ran right into Ann and her college friends in the lobby.
“Well, if it isn’t Freya. What a coincidence.” Ann’s voice rang out as she approached Caitlin, a practiced smile on her lips. “Looking for a dress too p>
Caitlin nodded, keeping her answer clipped and her expression distant. She had no interest in small talk with Ann.
“So, whose event are you attending?” Ann pressed.
Besides the Arts Gala, Ann hadn’t heard of any other major parties happening in the city.
“That’s none of your business p>
Without another word, Caitlin turned to leave.
Ann grabbed Caitlin’s sleeve. “Wait a sec, Freya p>
Caitlin frowned, annoyance flickering across her face. “Ann, let’s get something straight. We’re not friends. I have zero interest in pretending otherwise p>
Her words were cold and sharp, enough to make Ann freeze for a second.
Recovering quickly, Ann narrowed her eyes, a smug smile curling her lips. “I’m about to head to the Arts Gala with Tammie. She didn’t want to bring you, but honestly, she listens to me. If you ask nicely, maybe I’ll convince her to let you tag along p>
“Oh, and have you heard?” Ann leaned in, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “C will be at the gala. Tammie already said that with her connections, there’s no problem introducing me as C’s apprentice p>
That was what Tammie had said, word for word. Tammie was a big name in the comic scene-not as legendary as C, but even if she couldn’t get Ann in as C’s apprentice, she’d have no trouble introducing her.
Ann watched Caitlin closely, searching for any hint of envy on her face. She was sure Caitlin must be seething with jealousy. After all, who Wouldnt want the chance to meet C? Money alone couldn’t buy you a ticket to the Arts Gala. You needed status-someone like Tammie to vouch for you.
Someone like Caitlin, an outsider with no connections, could only dream of meeting C. Heck, she’d never get the chance in this lifetime—or the next.
Ann crossed her arms, continuing, “I’m just here to look at dresses, and Tammie’s allowed to bring two guests. If you swallow your pride and ask nicely, maybe I’ll bring you along p>
Ann raised an eyebrow, relishing the moment. Who didn’t idolize someone like C? Who wouldn’t want to attend the gala to boost their ow standing? She was certain Caitlin would eventually give in-people like her would do anything to climb the social ladder.
But as Ann waited for Caitlin to beg, Caitlin simply brushed past her, pushing her
aside. “I have nothing to say to you. Out of my way p>
With that, Caitlin turned on her heel and strode off.
Ann glared at her retreating back, spitting out, “Country bumpkin, who does she think she is? Acting all high and mighty-what a joke p>
She’s just jealous and pretending not to care. Hypocrite! Utterly pathetic!
“Let it go, Ann. She’s not worth it.” One of Ann’s friends sidled up to her. “But hey,
is it really true that C might take you on as an apprentice p>
“Of course it’s true,” Ann replied confidently. “My cousin’s a famous comic artist, after all p>
“Wow, I’m so jealous! If you meet C at the gala, can you get me an autograph?” “Absolutely!” Ann agreed without hesitation.
“Thank you, Ann p>
The night of the gala arrived before long.
Ann, resplendent in her designer gown, entered the grand hall with Tammie at her side. Tammie was
familiar face in the art world and
quickly drew attention. Someone came up as soon as they arrived. “Mr. Gonzales, isn’t it? My daughter is a huge fan of your comics-would you mind signing something for her p>