A disbelieving scoff escaped Selina as her brows arched. "And what exactly did she say about me?"
"She spoke of your dedication, your late nights, and how kind you've been to her. She said she only stepped down as your model because she wanted you to have the spotlight—to show the world your beautiful resilience after the internet was so cruel to you."
"Intriguing," Selina said, her voice dropping an octave. "I didn't realize we were close enough for you to share your... version of the story with strangers."
"I'm sorry, Selina. I know you're hurt that I didn't tell you my plan beforehand. But I promise it won't happen again," Isabel murmured, her eyes brimming with fake tears as she pushed the drink toward Selina again. "Please, be considerate. Whatever happens we can resolve it after the meeting."
Selina saw that the representatives were already won over by the act. To avoid a scene that might damage her professional standing, she accepted the glass.
