The more flawless my performance, the more enamored people became. Men respected me, perceiving me as more than a mere face. Women harbored no envy, for I treated everyone with kindness. I made it a point to be considerate and generous whenever possible.
Yoric had steadily increased my salary – from a modest fifteen hundred dollars to twenty hundred dollars, plus commissions. My monthly earnings hovered around thirty-five hundred dollars. Though grateful for his generosity, these wages were still insufficient.
Yoric likely believed that a promotion and salary increase would be enough to win my heart. He was gravely mistaken. The wealthy men backing me were numerous. Ryder was just one among many. A single meeting with any of my patrons could sustain me comfortably for half a year.
Later that day, Yoric approached me with a proposal, his steps quicker than usual as he closed the distance between us. "Julia," he said, his voice trembling slightly with excitement, "don't leave work right away. I've arranged a dinner with Mr. Moran of Zenith Enterprises. Join us."