CHAPTER THIRTY SIX – ASSISTANT TO THE ENTITLED MODEL

Karina stepped out into the parking garage, her head still spinning from the shock of John Hardy's proposition. She was supposed to be Lexi King's personal assistant? The very idea left a bitter taste in her mouth. As she made her way across the sleek, concrete expanse, a cluster of women caught her eye. They lounged against a gleaming sports car, their designer outfits and perfectly coiffed hair marking them as members of the elite. As Karina approached, one of them, a willowy blonde, straightened and gave her an appraising once-over. "Well, well," the blonde drawled, her voice dripping with disdain. "Look who's joining the fun." Karina bristled at her tone but held her ground. "I'm Karina Gomez. I'm supposed to be..." "Lexi's new assistant, we know," another woman cut her off with a dismissive wave of her perfectly manicured hand. "Don't get too excited. That job has a high turnover rate." Laughter rippled through the group, their eyes glinting with cruel amusement. Karina felt