Chapter 4

I looked down at my clothes and felt completely speechless.

Their condescension was hilarious.

My "plain" clothes were actually high-end designer pieces my dad bought me. I just preferred neutral, unbranded styles, which apparently made me look broke to these idiots.

But I didn't bother explaining.

As we waited in the office, Lily suddenly turned to Carter with a shy smile. "Carter, babe, are there any other young, successful guys like you in the department? Can you set me up with a boyfriend?"

If I didn't know she already had a boyfriend at another college, I might have actually believed her innocent act.

Carter sighed dramatically. "Well, that's tough. Guys as successful as me are hard to find."

"Lily, you're a smart girl. Looking for a sugar daddy at your age—no wonder you're the top deliverer!"

Leah laughed. "I think Carter is perfect. You don't have a girlfriend, Carter. Do you think Lily has a chance?"

Lily playfully punched Carter's shoulder. "Stop it, you two! Carter, just give me an order so I can leave. You're teasing me!"

I almost gagged. Is this really happening?

Just then, Hector, the dining hall general manager, ran in, drenched in sweat.

"Listen up! The big boss, Mr. Vance, is visiting the campus dining hall today for an inspection. Get ready!"

Mr. Vance. My dad.

Sure enough, a few minutes later, I was sitting on a plastic stool in the dining hall crowd.

My dad stood on the stage, speaking into a microphone, looking incredibly sharp.

His eyes scanned the crowd. He was looking for me.

I immediately ducked my head, trying to hide.

If he spotted me, he'd brag to my mom all weekend about how I was "learning the family business from the ground up."

I kept my head low.

Lily noticed and hissed, "Sit up straight! Have some self-respect. Don't embarrass our department in front of Mr. Vance!"

Carter heard her and frowned at me. "Chloe, do you have to be a rebel everywhere? Are you trying to ruin my reputation in front of the big boss?"

I had no choice. I sat up straight.

Instantly, my dad's eyes locked onto me.

He grinned and gave me a subtle nod.

Carter, who was sitting right in front of me, thought the nod was for him. He bowed frantically, a smile splitting his face. He looked ready to throw himself at my dad's feet.