A predatory thrill snaked up my spine. Good. Let them build the myth. Let the buzz ferment. When I finally walked through those glass doors? I wouldn't be a consultant—I'd be a walking detonation of expectation they'd primed themselves to worship.
"Free hype," I conceded, voice like gravel under heels. "Smart play, ladies. Keep whispering."
"Not just that, darling," Victoria corrected, swirling an invisible glass. "But Meridian Agency called. Demanding your final assessment. Seems our references… burned enthusiastically."
Madison blinked, confusion knitting her brow. "Meridian Agency? I thought you haven't interviewed for that—"
Right. She didn't know...
"Your aunt's… boutique companionship service," I clarified, letting the grenade roll. "Turns out the wellness center is the velvet rope. One interview got me two offers."
Madison's eyes widened as the fuse hit powder. "So when you did the wellness center thing…"
