CICI Group’s electronics were all the rage among young people, and as soon as Ingrid and the others got their hands on the latest gadgets, they couldn’t wait to tear open the packaging.
A while later, Jane suddenly remembered something she’d seen online. She glanced up and asked, “Citrine, since you’re connected to CICI Group, do you know anything about the rumor that they bought a building downtown in Crestwood about six months ago? People are saying they’re moving their headquarters here this October. Is it true, or just internet gossip?”
Citrine nodded, making no effort to hide the truth. “It’s real.”
In fact, not only CICI Group, but all her companies would soon have their headquarters in Crestwood. There were still many things she needed to accomplish here.
“That’s amazing!” Jane’s excitement was impossible to miss.
“What’s got you so happy?” Ingrid asked, half-curious, half-teasing.
Jane pressed her lips together, a hint of pride in her voice. “CICI Group is my dream company. I’ve wanted to join their R&D department ever since I was in high school. That’s been my goal for years.”
Ingrid rolled her eyes, giving Jane a dramatic look. “CICI’s on fire right now; they’re the industry leader. Getting in won’t be easy—prepare to work yourself to the bone all through college if you want a shot.”
“I’m ready for that,” Jane replied, determination shining in her eyes. She’d gladly do whatever it took if it meant working there.
Citrine quietly listened to their exchange, saying nothing.
The next day, Citrine joined Ingrid and the others on their way to the training grounds.
That morning, as soon as Hastings arrived, he instinctively scanned the crowd for that petite figure. He figured she was probably too exhausted from yesterday to show up today—she was so small, she’d probably had a tough time with the drills.
Just as he was about to give up looking, he spotted Citrine tucked away in the corner, half-hidden behind her classmates.
Kali even requested permission to come just to see him off.
Gazing up at his handsome face, she said softly, “Hastings, I’m really going to miss you.”
He smiled and ruffled her soft hair. “If you ever miss me, Kali, you can call me anytime.”
His voice was gentle—for once—but as he spoke, his eyes kept drifting toward the freshmen dorms, searching for someone he never spotted. Not that he expected her to show up, after the way he’d treated her. Why would she come?
For some reason, a strange sense of disappointment crept into his heart.
Kali noticed his distracted expression, her own smile faltering. Suddenly, she remembered the message she’d gotten from Citrine out of the blue the other day. An uneasy feeling began to gnaw at her, and she found herself desperate to know exactly where she stood in Hastings’s heart.
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