"She's strict," Annabelle went on. "Doesn't tolerate mistakes. One wrong move, and you're out. Her daughter's just as terrifying."
"I don't think Clarissa is terrifying,"
Annabelle's eyes widened. "Seriously? Are you defending her after the way she almost embarrassed you?"
"I'm not defending her," Selina replied evenly. "I'm just being honest. She's fragile like glass — just trying too hard to follow her mother's path."
"You talk as if you've known them for years. Are you close with the Everetts?" Annabelle asked, curiosity sharpening her features. Jasper finally lifted his gaze, as if expecting something interesting.
"No. Not close to all of them," Selina denied, "Except one. The owner of the company,"
Annabelle blinked, intrigued. "So that's it. Who could—"
"Tell me," Selina interrupted smoothly before the latter would pry deeper. "Any news about the merger going forward?"
"Merger?" Annabelle repeated, puzzled as she exchanged glances with Jasper.
