Chapter 14: Hidden Intentions

The room fell silent, all eyes on Allie.

Cher’s smile was razor-sharp. “Allie and Mr. Hart... well, they have a special connection.”

Her words hung in the air like a trap. Whispers started, suspicion spreading like wildfire.

Kane raised an eyebrow. “Allie, you know Liam Hart?”

Allie hesitated, then steadied her voice. “I interned at Hart Industries over the winter. I’ve met him, but I doubt he remembers me. He’s a busy man, and I’m just another intern.”

Kane seemed to accept her answer, but Cher wasn’t done.

“If we’re aiming for an exclusive, why not use that connection? No harm in trying,” Cher said sweetly, though her eyes

gleamed with malice.

The club president, Kane, considered it. “Alright. Cher and Allie, you’re on the first interview. If you pull this off, it’ll be legendary.”

The meeting adjourned, and Allie barely made it out of the lecture hall before Cher caught up to her.

“Allie, wait!” Cher called, jogging to her side.

Allie stopped; her tone cold. “What do you want?”

Cher’s demeanor shifted, her voice soft and sugary. “Look, I know I’ve made mistakes. But we were such good friends

once. Can we put the past behind us?”

Allie’s jaw tightened. “Put the past behind us? Like the time you stabbed me in the back? Or when you—”

Cher interrupted, grabbing Allie’s arm. “I’m serious, Allie! I miss us. Can’t we just move forward?”

Allie yanked her arm free, her voice sharp. “Move forward? Sure. Let’s start with me forgiving you for stealing Nick, lying to me, and ruining everything. Sound fair?”

Cher’s expression darkened. “You’ve always been so self-righteous. Maybe you’re just mad that I beat you at your own game.”

Allie stepped closer; her voice low. “This isn’t a game, Cher. But let me make one thing clear—you don’t get to use me to climb higher. So, what’s your angle with Liam Hart?”

Cher smirked, her mask slipping. “Oh, Allie. Don’t play dumb. You paraded him around at the club meeting last time.

Was it just for show? Or is there more to your little charade?”

Allie’s stomach churned. She kept her voice steady. “What happened last time was none of your business. But you’re wrong about him. He’s not someone you can manipulate.”

Cher laughed, the sound cold. “We’ll see about that. Everyone has a weak spot. Even Liam Hart.”

"He's not my boyfriend, so stop using me," Allie snapped. "You’re not getting an exclusive interview with Liam Hart through me."

Cher smirked, her confidence unshaken. "Noted. But don’t worry, Allie. I have my own ways. Besides, the boss asked us to work together. Try not to let your personal feelings get in the way."

Allie crossed her arms, irritation flickering across her face. "Right. Personal feelings. Sure."

Cher’s sly grin widened. She’d already taken Nick from Allie. If she could connect with someone like Liam, it would be a game-changer.

With that, she turned and walked away, her fists clenched. Cher’s words lingered, filling her with unease.

In her heart, Allie knew this was far from over.