Beyond The Envy

"My esteemed Dr. Davidsons S. Colbar, all I desire is a simple collaboration," Claudia exclaimed, tossing her head back in laughter. Dr. Colbar winced at the mention of his full name, muttering, "Dear. Who does this woman think she is?" Hester, with a quick glance, could already decipher the man like an open book.

"I believe you are mistaken," Dr. Colbar replied with a warm smile, his eyes closing as he clenched his fists by his sides. "But I shouldn't expect much from a power-hungry, money-driven imbecile like you, should I, my dearest Claudia?" Hester stifled a laugh, biting her tongue. Even a deaf man wouldn't miss the aggression in the doctor's tone.

Claudia frowned, sighing softly. "I'm afraid you already know what I want. I spent nights practicing my proposal. Care to listen anyway?" Dr. Colbar rolled his eyes, stepping backward as if repulsed. "Take your dirty, insincere proposals outside. See if one of the rags out there would want to work with you. After all, you're just as cheap as they come, aren't you?" With those words, the doctor walked away.

Claudia laughed, shooting a sharp glare at the departing man, a petty smirk on her face. "And you think you're sincere?" The doctor tensed, letting out a sharp exhale as he entered his office. "Aw, how adorable. Looks like the big boss of Colbar Mall has run off with his tail between his legs," Claudia teased, leaning onto Hester.

"I'd say he was trying to be the bigger person, unlike someone immature around here," Hester said, her gaze wandering until it landed on Claudia. The silence that followed was pure comedy, both girls staring at each other. One with a blank expression, the other with pure disappointment. "Not dropping any names," Hester added, lifting her hands defensively. "You must be either bipolar or quite crazy, sweetheart," Claudia retorted, her eyes narrowing. "I thought we were friends, dearest... What was your name? Hailey?" The corner of Hester's lips twitched. "Hester. Hester Louise." She corrected, her eyes narrowing. "You're just as moronic as the doctor said." Claudia let out a rather jolly, amused laugh.

"Feisty. Adorable for such a sweetheart like you, short-stacks." Hester let out a frustrated groan, gritting her teeth. "It's Hester, not Hailey, Harley, Haster, Huster, Hestur, nor Hestar. Not even Sweetheart. And I'd appreciate if you referred to me by my name, and nothing more."

As the girls continued their playful bantering, one defending her name, and the other laughing about it, a mysterious bystander stood by idly, watching. "That should be me she's talking to."