After her conversation with Anna, Marianna stepped slightly aside to observe the party.
She sipped her wine slowly, eyes scanning the room until they landed on Nicole.
Nicole was laughing softly with a girl, seemingly relaxed, unaware of the attention she was drawing or of the careful scrutiny from Liam’s mother.
Marianna’s lips curved into a small, almost imperceptible smile.
“So innocent, so unaware…” She thought.
Her mind began turning, slowly and deliberately.
Anna is charming, clever, and knows how to get his attention. Maybe it’s time to stir things a little… strategically.
She set her wine glass down on a nearby table and leaned in slightly, speaking to herself in a low, calculated whisper. “A little guidance, a little push… that should be enough.”
Marianna thought back
