With Ryder, I could truly be myself. Despite his occasional outbursts, I tolerated his abuse. What he did not know was that my ambition was much greater than he imagined. The four hundred thousand dollars he gave me annually was far from enough.
Beyond Ryder, I sought connections with higher-status patrons. These relationships afforded me both opportunities and considerable wealth. Take Erwin, for instance. His fifteen thousand-dollar offer for just two hours was generous, but it was merely a baseline. Anything less would be an insult to my value and allure.
Every day, I arrived on time, left late and completed my work with meticulous attention to detail. In the eyes of others, I was the perfect woman – elegant in public, capable at home. This was precisely the image I wanted to project.
The more flawless my performance, the more enamored people became. Men respected me, perceiving me as more than a mere face. Women harbored no envy, for I treated everyone with kindness. I made it a point to be considerate and generous whenever possible.
Yoric had steadily increased my salary – from a modest fifteen hundred dollars to twenty hundred dollars, plus commissions. My monthly earnings hovered around thirty-five hundred dollars. Though grateful for his generosity, these wages were still insufficient.
Yoric likely believed that a promotion and salary increase would be enough to win my heart. He was gravely mistaken. The wealthy men backing me were numerous. Ryder was just one among many. A single meeting with any of my patrons could sustain me comfortably for half a year.
Later that day, Yoric approached me with a proposal, his steps quicker than usual as he closed the distance between us. "Julia," he said, his voice trembling slightly with excitement, "don't leave work right away. I've arranged a dinner with Mr. Moran of Zenith Enterprises. Join us."
I smiled politely, though my heart quickened at the mention of Clyde Moran's name. While the prospect of dining with one of the most powerful men in the city was tempting, Yoric's enthusiasm barely registered. His ambition was palpable, but he was clueless about the game he was playing – and just how far ahead I already was.