The sarcasm in her tone was obvious—nobody could miss it. And she didn't just offend Claire. A few people nearby visibly stiffened at the words, clearly uncomfortable, but they held their tongues to avoid making a scene. Claire acted like she hadn't caught the mockery in Serena's voice. Her polite smile stayed perfectly in place. "Miss Thompson, what a thing to say. Everyone's got it tough these days, don't they? Our staff works super hard, just like students pulling all-nighters in labs. And big stars like you, pulling in two mil a day—can't say that's a breeze either, huh? But…" She lifted her head and looked Serena full in the face, eyes sharp and unflinching. "But as far as I know, Miss Thompson, you didn't exactly hit the books that much yourself. So why look down

