Chapter 22 

In the past few years, business had been rough. Her dad’s company had been bleeding money year after year, and now they were banking on her marrying into the Reynolds family, hoping the Reynolds Group would throw them a lifeline. 

When Kate laid eyes on the car, she couldn’t hide her excitement. She walked up to it, running her hands over it repeatedly like someone who’d never seen anything like it before. 

“Hey, Shawn, can you take a picture of me?” she asked. 

Kate stood by the car, using the window as a makeshift mirror to tidy her hair. The windows were tinted so Allison could see through them, but Kate and Shawn couldn’t. 

From the driver’s seat, Allison watched Kate, much like someone might watch a monkey at the 

ZOO. 

Just as Kate was lost in her reflection, Allison rolled down the window, meeting Kate’s gaze. 

“Hey there,” Allison greeted with a sweet smile. 

Kate froze, startled. “Allison? What are you doing here?” She looked as if she’d just seen a ghost. 

Right then, Shawn strolled over to the car. Spotting Allison inside, he frowned. “Why’d you rent a Bentley?” 

He didn’t even ask and just assumed Allison had rented it. 

Shaking off her surprise, Kate slipped into a smug, mocking demeanor. “Allison, did you really rent this car just to snap some pics? Renting a luxury ride like this isn’t exactly cheap. A single photo must set you back a month’s salary, huh?” 

Shawn’s frown deepened, his disdain barely hidden. “Allison, seriously? You’re renting this just for photos?” 

Kate chuckled, joining in, “Yeah, Allison, we all know what you make. Even if you post those pics online, people will just call you out for being vain. What’s the point?” 

Allison looked at Kate, clearly amused. “You seem to know a lot. Have you rented one before?” 

Kate’s smile wavered, her face tightening 

because, truth be told, she had. 

Back when everyone was flaunting their cars and bags, she was green with envy. She’d begged her father for a luxury car, but he told her the family was strapped for cash and advised her not to try to keep up with others. 

Frustrated and determined to outshine the social media show–offs, she rented a Lamborghini for a photoshoot. 

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00:4 

Chapter 22 

With that memory, Kate’s earlier embarrassment somehow faded, and she felt oddly relieved. After all, she had rented a Lamborghini, which was way pricier than Allison’s ride. 

Even though she had rented a car before, she’d never admit it in front of Shawn. 

She lifted her chin, exuding confidence. “I don’t need to rent a car. When I was abroad, I drove a Lamborghini that cost way more than this.” 

“Oh, really? How come I’ve never seen you drive it?” Allison asked, curious, 

Kate lied effortlessly, “Got tired of it. Those flashy sports cars aren’t really for girls, I recently switched to a Panamera. I’ll bring it by for you to take some pics, no charge.” 

Her words dripped with disdain. 

Sure, she had a Panamera, but she bought it second–hand from someone else. 

Her family’s fortunes had taken a nosedive. Her dad’s business kept losing money, and they even had to mortgage their home. 

If not for trying to impress Shawn, she wouldn’t have spent money on a car just for 

appearances. 

“Oh-” Allison drew out the word playfully, “I get it. Didn’t you just want a picture? How about I let you borrow it?” 

Kate’s expression darkened. “No thanks.” 

Shawn chimed in again, “Allison, how did I never notice how vain you’ve become?”