"I spent ten thousand on that meal!" exclaimed Jared. Troy cautioned Jared in a low voice, "If you don't obey the rules, your life here will be difficult."

Zayne added, "Jared, since you're now in sales, you must abide by the rules. I implemented them when I became manager."

"You set the rules?" Jared scoffed. "I'm sorry, but I can't afford this. Pay for your own meals. Don't act like beggars," he finished, leaving despite Zayne's grim expression.

Lydia arrived, defending Zayne. "Jared is arrogant! He's exploiting his relationship with Mr. Jennings and disrespects everyone, even Mr. Carlson! He even compared us to beggars! We wouldn't starve without him!"

The sales staff were infuriated. "He underestimates us. His time will come," someone muttered. Troy remained silent in the corner, apprehensive. "I'm on his team; I'll suffer the consequences!" he thought.

Zayne revealed, "There's no special relationship! I asked Mr. Jennings. He's keeping Jared around to make a fool of him!" He'd already spoken to Xavier, who'd instructed him to make Jared look bad. Zayne, though unsure of the reason, obeyed his general manager.

The sales staff left after Jared's dinner refusal. As Zayne said goodbye to Maria, her phone rang. It was her mother, Frieda.

"Maria, Glamorous Designs paid their debt! We're back on our feet!" Frieda exclaimed.

"Really? But why now, after so long?" Maria asked.

"Your dad found out Mr. Lewis spoke to them. They paid immediately out of fear!"

"Mr. Lewis? We don't know him. Why would he help?"

"I wondered the same! Remember Zayne using his connections? I think he knows Mr. Lewis. Find out if he was involved. If so, invite him to dinner!"

Maria hung up. Zayne, noticing her excitement, asked, "What's up?"