"Wait, the Bernard family is relocating to Anastasia? What happens to your business?"
"Please, Mrs. Bernard's company has operations in Anastasia too."
"Oh, that explains it."
Several women from lesser families felt a pang of jealousy toward Linda. Sure, Hillview had its perks, but Anastasia was in a different league entirely. The connections and economic opportunities there dwarfed anything Hillview could provide.
"It's all about giving my daughter the best opportunities. Being in Anastasia will open so many doors for her university plans," Linda beamed. "Annie makes me so proud."
Mid-sentence, Annie burst through the doors—hair disheveled, dress wrinkled beyond recognition. Pure panic flashed across her features. "Mom, we have a problem."
Linda instantly read the alarm in Annie's appearance. Not wanting to cause a scene, she quickly pressed her hand over Annie's mouth, plastering on a strained smile. "Forgive us, she's feeling under the weather. We should head home."
