Chapter 104: The Unseen Hand

The bell signalling the end of the previous class had barely rung when Hailey materialized beside Mariana's, a mischievous grin plastered on her face. In her hand, she held a familiar cup adorned with a cartoon cat – a steaming milk tea, the very same one Mariana had contemplated moments earlier. "Consider this a reward, superstar!" Hailey chirped, placing the cup down with a flourish. "Daphne heard about your big news and wanted to send her congratulations." Mariana's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Really?" she stammered, a touch sceptical. Daphne, notorious for her ironclad adherence to pre-filming diets, rewarding her with a sugary drink seemed out of character. Her suspicions grew as she noticed a faint trace of milk tea froth clinging to the corner of Hailey's lips. "Did you, uh, happen to sample this delightful beverage before bringing it to me?" Hailey's grin faltered for a brief moment, then recovered seamlessly. "Oh, whoops!" she exclaimed, feigning innocence. "Maybe I did