Even from a distance, I could almost hear the way Hayley twisted the truth to suit her needs, her voice smooth and convincing as she spun lies like threads meant to trap anyone who listened.
"President Presgrave was with me last night," she claimed confidently. "I'm the only one by his side, so there's nothing to worry about."
It was the kind of lie built to establish dominance, to mark territory without ever stepping into the open. And it worked. Those who heard it accepted it easily, shaping their understanding around her version of reality, painting me as something lesser in comparison.
When the call ended, her calm façade shattered.
I could imagine the way her anger surged, sharp and uncontrollable, as she lashed out at the nearest thing within reach. My name lingered on her lips like something bitter, something she couldn't swallow or forget.
"Anastasia Tillman…" she muttered, her voice low with resentment. "Why are you still in my way? Why do you keep circling him?"
