Two days later, Bonnie and Yvette encountered Janice at an upscale mall where Bonnie worked part-time. Janice strolled with a balding, slightly overweight middle-aged man; the pair appeared close.

Bonnie stared, then quickly averted her gaze from the elegantly dressed Janice. Turning to Yvette, seated on a nearby couch, she said, "Give me a minute, Yve. My shift just ended; I'll change, then we can meet Andrew."

Yvette, lounging comfortably with legs crossed, replied calmly, her eyes faintly sparkling, "Sure."

Bonnie smiled, about to leave, when Janice called out, "Hey, you, the salesperson! Bring that outfit over here. I want to try it on."

Bonnie sighed. Life, she mused, often placed unwanted encounters directly in one's path, while desired ones remained frustratingly out of reach.

Yvette remained seated, observing Janice's approach with a cool, detached expression. Only as Janice drew closer did she notice Yvette and gasp, "What are you doing here?"

Bonnie turned, facing Janice's shocked expression. Maintaining a polite smile, she concealed her bitterness, saying softly, "Hello. Let me know which outfit you like, and I'll bring it over for you."

Recognizing Bonnie's uniform, Janice's surprise morphed into disdain. Bonnie's refusal to leverage "connections," she scoffed, condemned her to a perpetually lower social standing.

Janice's anger flared at Yvette's indifferent expression. She couldn't fathom Yvette's popularity at Argrol University – just a "top student with a pretty face," she thought dismissively. "What's all the fuss about?"

Realizing her new "sugar daddy" was present, Janice began scheming. His generosity and underworld connections – more than sufficient to handle someone like Yvette – were significant assets. He even owned a private jet. "Sure, Jeremiah might have some money," she thought, "but my man is nothing to scoff at! I'm going to pay Yvette back for that kick in Dungo Village!"

Yvette's brow furrowed slightly, a chill settling over her expression. Her cold, deep eyes gave Janice a single, frosty glance.

That look tightened Janice's grip on her bag until she nearly tore it. She bit her lip; the dismissive gaze reduced her to insignificance.

With a huff, Janice threw herself onto the couch opposite Yvette, then, for show, called the man over, showering him with excessive affection, calling him "darling" repeatedly.

When Ben Murphy waddled over and saw Yvette, his eyes lit up. Despite addressing Janice, his gaze kept drifting towards Yvette.

"Anything you like?" Ben said to Janice. "Whatever you want, I'll get it for you. Money is not an issue. I'll buy you a villa next time."

Janice froze, surprised by his sudden extravagance; he hadn't been so lavish the previous day. However, seeing his gaze repeatedly stray towards Yvette, panic surged. Yvette, doing nothing but sitting there, commanded all the attention.

Janice leaned closer, deliberately brushing her breast against his. His attention shifted back to her. She pouted, "I want this girl to serve me, babe."

Bonnie glanced at her watch; her shift was over. Taking a deep breath, she calmly replied, "Excuse me, Miss, Sir, but my shift has ended. Another girl will assist you shortly."

Janice's unease flickered, quickly masked by anger. How dare Bonnie cut me off like this? she thought.

Janice fumed, "I don't care if your shift is over. I'm demanding that you help me, or I'll file a complaint."

Ben rummaged in his bag, producing a thick wad of cash, which he tossed onto the table. He sneered, "You need to learn some respect. If I say you're staying, you're staying. Serve us well, and this tip is all yours."

Emboldened by Ben's support, Janice believed Yvette was intimidated, silently watching. Bonnie, she thought, would finally see Yvette's true colors – she wasn't as impressive as she seemed.

Bonnie, incredulous at Janice's descent, saw this as the final straw. Maintaining her composure, she calmly replied, "Whatever."

Ben's irritation flared at Bonnie's indifference. A nouveau riche, used to subservience, he shot up from the couch, raising his hand to slap her.

Janice watched eagerly, hoping for a hard slap. Bonnie deserved it, she thought, and after Bonnie, she would deal with Yvette – neither would escape.

However, as Ben raised his hand, a fierce kick sent him sprawling. He hit hard, smashing his lips and losing a tooth. Groaning, he clutched his mouth, wailing loudly.

Janice froze, a chill running through her as a familiar scene unfolded. It echoed the incident in Dungo Village days earlier. Her body trembled at the memory.

Ben glared up, furious. "What are you looking at? Get over here and help me up!"

Janice rushed forward, feigning concern. "Are you alright, babe?"

Ben, his speech slurred, glared in frustration. "Can't you see? I'm… I'm missing my tooth… It's gone!"

Affecting sympathy, Janice cooed, "Oh, babe, does it hurt? I saw it all. It was that woman, Yvette, who kicked you. She's the one to blame! You can't let her get away with it!"

Ben shot a furious look at Yvette, his pride wounded as much as his lips. Is she trained in boxing or something? How could she kick that hard? he thought.

Seething, Ben shouted, "How dare you kick me? I know people in high places, and I won't let you go easily. Have you ever heard of the Chambers family? Top dogs in Seacrity. I know the head of the family, and trust me, you're finished."

Bonnie's face registered surprise and amusement. The Chambers family? Is he stupid? Did he even realize he was saying this in front of the daughter of Mr. Chambers? she thought.