Chapter 100: The Hidden Agenda

Mariana's brow furrowed in confusion. "Hold on," she said, her voice laced with disbelief. "You're just going to cover any expenses? Hailey, that kind of money doesn't exactly grow on trees." Hailey, ever the optimist, let out a nervous laugh. "Oh, don't worry about it, Mariana!" Mariana wasn't convinced. She fixed Hailey with a steady gaze, her brown eyes searching for a flicker of truth. "Hailey," she began, her voice firm, "who are you really?" Hailey shifted uncomfortably under Mariana's scrutiny. "Me? Just your average, everyday assistant, of course!" she chirped, a touch too brightly. "Don't insult my intelligence, Hailey," Mariana countered, rolling her eyes slightly. "Even if you do have a wealthy brother, wouldn't most of it go to your future sister-in-law?" Hailey's eyes widened momentarily, a flicker of something akin to fear crossing her features before she quickly masked it with a wide smile. "Oh, let's hope so! She seems lovely." Mariana, unable to contain herself,