As I said, she has connections. With a car like that picking her up, who’s behind her?

“Isn’t her husband the CEO of the Nichols Group? And they’re not divorced. Maybe…”

“Maybe what? Juan is so rich. Does he need his wife to be a trainee? I bet she’s got a new patron.”

“Or a sugar daddy. Broke or not, with her looks, she probably still has plenty of admirers.”

Freya cut in, “Enough. We’re all trainees here. We should be mindful of our situations. Don’t make enemies without realizing it.”

Eve scoffed, “What’s to be afraid of? With one word, my dad can have her kicked out.”

Ashley snorted, “Stop bragging. What if she has a powerful patron?”

“Her family’s broke. Who would still care about her?” Eve sneered. “The fewer competitors, the better. I’ll tell my dad to squeeze Debra out when I go home this week.”

Just then, the door to their room swung open, revealing Debra. The three girls who had been badmouthing her were startled into silence. Debra glanced at the doorplate and said, “Sorry, wrong room.” Then, with a hint of displeasure, she slammed the door shut.

Ashley whispered, “Do you think she heard us?”

“So what if she did?” Eve said with bravado. “I spoke the truth. If she’s got guts, let her confront me directly.”

Outside the door, Debra’s displeased voice rang out. “I think the soundproofing in this building isn’t great. Maybe you should mention to your boss that some soundproofing is needed.”