Beyond The Envy

Observing the man's bowed head, Hester felt a sense of confusion but dismissed it. "Good evening, sir," she greeted with a warm smile. "Thank you for your kind welcome." The man, only slightly taller, introduced himself as Dr. Colbar, the owner of the mall. Returning the gesture, Hester introduced herself as Hester Louise. A subtle air of tension emerged as she challenged, "And I believe you can't define the fine line between a risk and a choice?"

Carter and Cara exchanged glances, choosing to divert their attention elsewhere. The man, Dr. Colbar, responded with a tilt of his head, maintaining his charming demeanor. "And you, m'lady, are some expert?" he teased. Unfazed, Hester pressed on, questioning his unconventional decision to make everything in the mall free, expressing concern about potential risks in such a marketing strategy. Dr. Colbar, seemingly unaffected, chuckled softly, dismissing her worries. Despite a momentary grimace, he resumed his charm, inviting her to discuss the matter in his office.

Hester shot him a glare but agreed to follow. As Dr. Colbar opened the door to his office, he grinned, only for the atmosphere to shift abruptly. His tone turned cold as he questioned Hester's motives. "You barge into my mall, question my work, and proceed to call me moronic. Young woman, whatever do you wish to achieve?" Calmly taking a seat, Hester stated, "Answers. Is that too much to ask?" Dr. Colbar, visibly frustrated, scrutinized her before relenting, leaning back in his chair. "For god's sake, what do you want to know?" he sighed, clearly perturbed by the unexpected confrontation. Without so much as a pause, Hester began her stream of questions.

"Why did you decide to start paying for everything?" Hester inquired, her gaze fixed on Dr. Colbar, who nonchalantly shrugged before meeting her eyes. "After the city started falling apart, citizens began leaving, but my mall keeps 'em coming back," he explained. Hester, propping her head in her hand, pressed on, questioning why the city had fallen apart. Dr. Colbar attributed it to the overpowering greed of the people, leading to skyrocketing prices. Sitting upright, she twirled her hair, contemplating, "The poor plunged further into poverty, while the rich weren't making as much money anymore. It is simply corruption." He explained, his sharp gaze, and pointed glare never leaving Hester. Glaring at him, she confronted, "What did you do to my friend?"