Cameras continued flashing, their relentless flashing lights searing into Evelyn’s eyes. She stood frozen, the world around her blurring into a clamor of murmurs and sharp whispers. Her heart thudded in her chest, and tears welled up in her eyes, dangerously close to falling. She tried to swallow the lump in her throat, but it wouldn’t budge.
She couldn’t speak. Not without breaking.
If she opened her mouth, the tears would come crashing down like a storm. So she stood there, silent and trembling, while the cruel spotlight scorched her dignity.
Just then, her team burst onto the scene—Laura, Orson, Helen, and Brenda. All of them had rushed outside after hearing the commotion.
Maeve sneered and turned toward the growing audience again. “This single woman right here is trying to steal my
