Pax chimed in sarcastically, "Yeah, no way she got in on her own merit."
Helena joined in, sneering, "Why don't you tell us about your connections? Let's see which big shot you know."
Juliet laughed along, implying Nova's entry was shady, "These days, even departments like ours are hiring people through the back door."
Nova felt a sting from Juliet's words. She looked up and snapped, "Can you shut up and stop spreading lies?"
Juliet shrugged, unfazed, and taunted, "Getting defensive, huh? Must've hit a nerve."
Quinton, seeing everyone ganging up on Nova, couldn't stay silent. He stepped in, "We're in the translation department. We should respect each other, not bully people."
Sophia glared at Quinton and threatened him, "Mind your own business. Remember who your dad works for."
Quinton clenched his fists on the table, clearly fuming.
Nova glanced at Quinton, her eyes filled with concern. When he turned to look at her, she shook her head slightly, signaling him not to speak up for her.
Quinton couldn't help but feel a spark of admiration for Nova. She wasn't just beautiful; she had an inner strength that drew him in.
Soon, the team leader arrived to assign the interns to their respective positions. After the assignments, everyone headed to the cafeteria for lunch.
Nova finished her meal and took a walk in the garden. Quinton called out to her from behind.
Nova turned around, grateful, and looked at Quinton. He apologized, "Nova, I'm sorry I couldn't help you more earlier."
Nova remained calm, "It's okay. It's normal for them to have grievances. I don't mind."
Quinton earnestly offered, "If you ever need help, I'll do my best."
She smiled, "For the next three months, let's support each other and improve together." Quinton nodded.
As Nova walked through the garden, she noticed Sophia and her group standing excitedly, their eyes filled with admiration. They seemed to be looking at someone they idolized.
Curious, Nova walked closer. She saw several black cars parked nearby, with a group of people talking. Her eyes quickly found a tall, imposing figure among them—Aiden.
The midday sun shone on Aiden as he conversed with an older man, his expression unusually gentle.
Nova felt a mix of emotions. She often saw him at home, but now, seeing him here, she felt different.
Aiden, young yet commanding, stood among the group, exuding an aura that demanded respect. He was like the sun, too dazzling to approach.
Sophia and her friends were mesmerized, their eyes fixed on Aiden, discussing him with fervent admiration.
Nova, however, remained composed, her eyes reflecting a calm appreciation, with a hint of pride. After all, this man, who seemed so unapproachable to others, had recently taken her out to dinner. Living at the Indigo house meant she could see and talk to him often.
Aiden, initially facing away, turned slightly, drawn by the commotion. His gaze landed on Nova, standing out among the group of girls, her smile gentle as she looked his way.
Pax, Sophia, and Juliet, seeing this, excitedly argued, each convinced Aiden was looking at them.
Nova watched their childish squabble with a mix of amusement and helplessness.
She inadvertently met Aiden's gaze. Despite the distance, his look seemed to have a magical effect, making her heart flutter and her smile widen.
A leaf gently landed in Nova's hair. Quinton noticed and softly removed it, making her look up and smile at him.
Aiden saw this, his previously charming demeanor turning cold. He stared at Quinton with a scrutinizing, icy look.
Quinton, meeting Aiden's gaze, felt a chill down his spine, overwhelmed by the pressure, as if he had unknowingly offended a powerful figure.
Aiden then turned and left, his car windows up, but his eyes still fixed on Nova's youthful, beautiful figure.
After Aiden left, Sophia and her friends remained in a daze, dreaming of talking to him, being noticed by him, and even fantasizing about marrying him, despite knowing his high status.
Nova quietly slipped away, thinking that Blair might have a better chance with Aiden, having seen them close before.
Just then, her phone buzzed with a message from Aiden, asking about her first day.
Nova found a quiet spot and quickly replied, "I'm doing well, thank you for asking, Mr. Martinez."
Aiden soon responded, "Good. Keep up the good work and aim to stay."
Nova felt a warm encouragement from his words and returned to the office.
The spacious office for the seven interns was bright, with individual workstations.
Most of the work involved reviewing materials to get familiar with the job.
Nova was focused on translating documents when Sophia and her friends walked in, chatting and laughing.
Sophia boasted, "I snagged the last limited-edition bag at the boutique today, thanks to my mom's VIP status. The staff didn't dare stop me."
Her words were full of pride, and the other girls could only envy her.
Sophia then noticed Nova working diligently and snapped, "Trying to get ahead during lunch break, huh?"
Nova calmly replied, "I'm just using my time to work. There's nothing wrong with that."
Sophia, annoyed by Nova's lack of deference, retorted, "You think you can surpass us? Keep dreaming."
With that, everyone returned to their desks, each determined not to be outdone, eager to secure a spot in the translation department.
Amidst the busyness, Nova received a message from her friend Uma, suggesting a get-together after work, proposed by Levi. Nova felt tempted.
Uma encouraged her, "This is your chance to confess to Levi. You've had a crush on him for three years. It's time."
Nova hesitated, her fingers hovering over the screen, but finally decided to go for it.
After work, Nova met Uma and got into her car.
Nova checked her makeup in the mirror, blushing at the thought of confessing.
Uma reassured her, "You're beautiful even without makeup. You'll do great. I heard Levi's ex has been trying to get back with him, but he says he's over her. Be bold."
They hurried to the restaurant, where the engaged couple Jasper and Yara were already waiting.