Allie Brooks stood stiffly, her smile strained as she watched Cher Waverly expertly manipulate the situation. There was something about Cher’s saccharine charm that grated on her nerves. It wasn’t jealousy—no, Allie was certain of that—but the sheer audacity of Cher’s pretense stirred something deep within her.
“I must say,” Cher announced, her voice honeyed but sharp, “it takes a certain kind of charm to secure an exclusive interview with Liam Hart. A feat like that doesn’t happen every day, does it, Allie?” Her delicate fingers brushed back a perfectly curled strand of hair, her expression the epitome of innocence.
Allie’s lips twitched into a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Charm only takes you so far, Cher. Talent does the rest. But don’t worry—when the piece comes out, I’ll
