**Paths Lead To Purpose — Kevin Masters**
**Chapter 8**
Ophelia sensed the underlying tension in Zoe’s tone, and without hesitation, she closed the distance between them, her presence radiating authority and confidence. “Zoe, are you genuinely worried that I might vie for his attention?”
The intensity of Ophelia’s gaze made Zoe instinctively retreat a step, her heart racing.
“I-I’m not! I was just being straightforward with you,” Zoe stuttered, her voice barely above a whisper.
With a dismissive snort, Ophelia masked her true feelings. “Relax. Aside from his good looks, Alaric doesn’t possess anything worth my admiration. He’s simply not my type.”
In Ophelia’s mind, Alaric’s accomplishments were merely a byproduct of his family’s affluence and status.
She had no desire for a man who had not forged his own path.
“Huh?” Zoe blinked, momentarily taken aback, then quickly regained her composure. “Wait, Ophelia, you’ve actually met Alaric?”
“Yes,” Ophelia replied, her tone steady. “I encountered him today.”
“When?” Zoe’s eyes widened, a flicker of anxiety crossing her features.
“That’s my private matter. I don’t owe you any clarification.” Just as she concluded her sentence, the elevator doors chimed open. Ophelia tempered her sharp tone and stepped out with a cool demeanor. “Which way now?”
Without hesitation, Zoe pointed down the corridor. “To the left.”
Ophelia didn’t say another word as she strode off, her impatience palpable, clearly eager to distance herself from Zoe.
Zoe trailed behind, her voice dripping with insincerity. “Ophelia, I bet Mom and Dad haven’t had the chance to buy you new clothes yet, right? We’re practically the same size. Why don’t you come to my room and choose a few outfits?
“Most of them are designer pieces, sure, I’ve worn them, but they’re all from top brands.”
Ophelia couldn’t help but roll her eyes internally, thinking, ‘There’s always one of those insufferable girls like Layla, no matter where you go. She’s pretending to be generous, but all she’s really doing is belittling my style.’
Fortunately, before Zoe could elaborate, Ophelia had already stepped into her own bedroom. The room was bustling with activity as several servants busily organized her belongings; two of them were carefully hanging new garments in the wardrobe.
With her discerning eye for quality, Ophelia recognized the labels instantly. Each piece was a limited-edition designer item, each one worth a small fortune, with some being nearly impossible to acquire.
Her parents had clearly gone all out to ensure she felt welcomed upon her return.
Zoe’s expression morphed into one of barely concealed envy.
The wardrobe was filled with top-tier luxury items—bags, shoes, dresses, and even accessories—all curated for Ophelia. Even if she had begged her parents, they would never have splurged on such a lavish array of items for her in one go.
Noticing the stunned look on Zoe’s face, Ophelia allowed a faint smile to curve her lips, her voice laced with irony. “It seems you needn’t worry about my wardrobe any longer. But if you fancy anything, Zoe, feel free to choose two pieces from here.”
Zoe forced a laugh that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “No, thanks. Whatever I desire, Mom and Dad will get for me. Besides, I’m not that greedy. I don’t need so many luxury items.”
Ophelia caught the not-so-subtle jab and replied with a smirk, “You’re overanalyzing it, Zoe. I’m not particularly fond of these things either. But since they’re gifts from our parents, it would be impolite not to accept them.”
She strolled over to the wardrobe, deliberately admiring the items within. “I must say, they do have excellent taste. I’ve always had a soft spot for lighter colors.”
As Zoe observed Ophelia handling each exquisite piece with such ease, jealousy flared within her, almost bubbling to the surface. “Since you already have everything you need, I think I’ll take my leave. Enjoy your room, Ophelia.”
“Of course,” Ophelia replied evenly, a sense of relief washing over her.


VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Ophelia Gets Thrown Out (Ophelia)