Marion's hasty excuse landed in the still water like a pebble, failing to stir even the slightest ripple. It was so flimsy that it carried no credibility whatsoever.
Kirsten's gaze stayed as tranquil as a frozen pond, cold and unyielding.
Instead, Verena, who'd been pushed to the floor, weakly got up in Marion's arms, and her eyes started to redden. Nestling against him, she stared at Kirsten with feigned innocence
She turned to Kirsten, a glint of smug provocation flashing in her eyes, while her tone remained innocent and naive as she said, "Kirsten, don't go blaming Marion. The launch event's a big deal. He trusts me more than anyone, so he asked me to lend a hand."
She paused, pretending to dab away non-existent tears with a handkerchief, before her tone turned biting. "I thought yo
