Chapter 65: Unspoken Agendas

The warmth of the coffee mug couldn't quite dispel the chill that had settled over Mariana. Even during their coffee break, Hailey's gaze seemed permanently fixed on her. "Have we met before?" Mariana finally blurted out, unable to ignore the feeling any longer. "Maybe at a conference or something? Or do I look familiar to you?" Hailey, who was mid-sip of her coffee, nearly choked on it. Her eyes widened in what looked suspiciously like panic. "M-met before? No, Ms. Silva! Of course not!" she stammered, placing the mug down with a clatter that drew stares from nearby colleagues. Mariana frowned. "Are you sure? You seem awfully… invested in my every move." Hailey's cheeks flushed a fiery red. "I-invested? No, not at all! It's just… well, you're so… so gorgeous, Ms. Silva! And so nice, everyone says so. I can't help but watch and admire you, you know?" Mariana studied Hailey over the rim of her mug, her earlier suspicions simmering just beneath the surface. "Hailey," she beg