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Whispers & doubts

Author: Peggy Damis
last update Last Updated: 2025-08-23 03:14:53

POV: Hailey

Hailey prided herself on reading people. It was half the reason Byte & Beam had survived this long. She could sense when a client was bluffing, when an investor was pulling strings, and when Elara was hiding something.

And tonight, as she sat across from Ava in the dimly lit café near their office, she had the sinking feeling both of them were keeping secrets.

Ava stirred her tea more than she drank it, her gaze flicking to the window every few seconds as though expecting someone to appear. “You didn’t have to invite me,” she said finally, voice careful. “Clarisse will wonder.”

“Let her wonder,” Hailey replied with a shrug. “Besides, you don’t look like someone who wants to spend another evening trapped in that mansion.”

Ava’s lips twitched, almost a smile, but not quite. “You’re not wrong.”

Hailey leaned back, studying her. Ava was younger, but sharper than people gave her credit for. Too sharp for her own good.

“You and Elara don’t… talk much, do you?” Hailey aske
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