CHAPTER SEVENTEEN – A BIG RIFT

"That's not what I'm saying at all," Marcus countered, his own frustration evident. "I'm trying to explain how things work in our world. If you want to succeed, you need to develop a thicker skin." Cassie stood abruptly, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. "Well, maybe I don't want to be part of 'your world' if that's what it takes to succeed. Thanks for the opportunity, Marcus, but I think I'll pass." As she stormed out of the café, she heard Marcus call after her, "You're making a mistake, Cassie! You're throwing away a golden opportunity!" Cassie kept walking, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. She couldn't believe how quickly her dream job had turned into a nightmare. A few days later, Cassie found herself back at Cheesy Fingers, this time to pick up her final paycheck. As she approached the counter, Mr. Thompson emerged from his office. "Cassie," he said, his voice gruff but tinged with something that sounded almost like regret. "I've got your check here."