After her rebirth
Chapter 29

"Shoot me your card number, I'll handle the medical bills," Maximilian's voice came through the phone.

Earlier at the police station, Maximilian had already bailed her out big time. How could she even think about asking him to pay her for her medical services? But then she felt the few crumpled bills in her pocket and realized she was flat broke.

Katniss hesitated but finally gave in.

"My card number..." Katniss mumbled, then it hit her-she didn't even have a bank card.

"I don't have a bank card. I'll go get one," Katniss said, deciding to fix this ASAP so she wouldn't miss out on the cash.

From the other end, Maximilian's voice came through, "Got it."

His voice was deep and husky, kinda sexy.

After hanging up, Katniss clutched her phone, suddenly realizing that with Maximilian as her patient, she wouldn't have to worry about money anymore.

After wrapping up two classes, Katniss rushed to the bank and got herself a shiny new bank card.

Walking out of the bank, she checked her watch. It was still early, so she decided to hit up the coffee shop to work. Pushing open the door, she saw the place was buzzing, and there was a messy table in the corner. She grabbed a cloth and went over to clean it up.

Amara smiled approvingly; Katniss was a hard worker.

Turning around, she saw a couple at the door, looking all lovey-dovey. But the girl was scanning the place like she was looking for someone.

Amara walked up to them and asked, "What can I get you two to drink?"

The girl ignored her and pointed at Katniss, who was busy in the corner, covering her mouth in shock. "Desmond, is that Katniss? Why is she working here as a waitress?"

Yep, the girl was Clara.

Desmond saw Katniss cleaning up and walked over with a sneer, kicking over the trash can and spilling garbage everywhere.

Katniss looked up, glaring at Desmond, who rudely said, "Don't think sucking up to my brother will change anything. What's not yours will never be yours, no matter how hard you try! I will never like you!"

Clara, seeing this, angrily pushed Desmond and quickly apologized to Katniss, helping to pick up the trash on the ground.

Desmond gently helped Clara up, saying, "Let Katniss pick it up herself. Don't dirty your dress. If it gets dirty, they wouldn't afford to pay for his even selling this shop."

This dress was a special birthday gift Desmond had someone bring back from abroad for Clara, designed by a top designer, and the only one in the city.

Clara said guiltily, "I just wanted to help Katniss. It's tough for her living alone. My dad won't let us help her with money, so this is all I can do!"

After saying that, Clara pulled out a bank card from her pocket and handed it to Katniss.

"Katniss, this is some of my New Year's money I haven't blown yet. Take it for emergencies."

Katniss eyed the bank card, then sneered, "Are you for real? Quit acting all nice."

Clara was taken aback for a second, a mix of emotions flashing across her face. "I just want to help you. You'll regret leaving your family like this, Katniss." Katniss laughed out loud, "Haha, don't sweat it. Leaving you was the best move I've ever made."

Seeing things heat up, Amara, worried a fight might break out and Katniss would get hurt, quickly brought over a broom. Katniss took it, signaling her not to worry.

Amara didn't dare mess with Clara and Desmond, who were clearly loaded and not to be messed with. She could only sigh quietly.

As Katniss swept the floor, she said coldly, "Desmond, a proper ex-fiancé should act like he's dead. Stop bugging me."

She had already decided to stay away from the Manners family and Desmond, but these people kept showing up, trying to make their presence known. It was super annoying! Desmond's eyes were icy as he stared at Katniss, his expression shifting unpredictably.

Clara's eyes reddened, she grabbed Desmond's arm, whispering, "Desmond, it's my fault for causing you two to argue. Let's stop this and not mess up Katniss's work." Desmond, not wanting Clara to suffer, was furious.

"Fifty cups of coffee!" Desmond slapped down two hundred-dollar bills, pointing at Katniss and ordering.

"She has to make them all by herself and deliver them to the school gate. No one else can help." Desmond was being a total jerk.

Amara looked at Katniss with concern; this was straight-up bullying. She wanted to refuse him but was stopped by Katniss, who said, "Amara, don't miss this chance to make some good money!"

She tossed the trash, went to the counter, grabbed the two hundred bucks, and said, "Alright, we'll do it."

Katniss wasn't dumb enough to turn down money, especially when she needed it.

She worked quickly, leaving Desmond stunned.

Clara tugged on Desmond's arm, complaining, "Desmond, you're being way too harsh. Katniss has classes in the afternoon. How can she finish fifty cups of coffee by herself?" Desmond gently patted Clara, saying, "You're too naive. I'm helping you."

Clara was troubled, saying, "I've told you a million times that Katniss didn't bully me. Why don't you believe me?"

"Katniss, add some milk!" Amara directed, her eyes showing a hint of sympathy.

Katniss stirred the coffee cups vigorously, silently cursing these two annoying people.

"Add some more sugar!" Desmond's voice was arrogant and cold, like he thought Katniss was just a worker bee.

Clara muttered, "Desmond, let her take a break. Her hands are about to give out."

Desmond glanced disdainfully at Katniss, saying, "Feeling tired over such a small task? She should know how to seize the opportunity!"

Katniss ignored the two of them, just wanting to finish the fifty cups of coffee quickly and get rid of these two jerks.