Olivia’s breath hitched, her entire body going rigid.
She didn’t move. Couldn’t. The way Mrs. Kimberly’s eyes narrowed—sharp and probing, it was like she was being stripped bare right in the middle of the room. Olivia’s heart pounded against her ribs, loud and fast, like a warning drum in her chest.
Did she know?
Had she figured her out?
A cold sweat crept down the back of her neck, but Olivia held her ground, forcing her face to remain neutral. Calm. Unbothered. Inside, though, she was unraveling.
Mrs. Kimberly took one step forward.
Then another.
Each footfall echoed louder than the last, as if the whole salon had gone quiet. Olivia’s fingers curled slightly by her side. She couldn’t tell if the woman was about to accuse her or dismiss her, or worse.
Then suddenly, just when Oliv
