'This woman…..'
Maya felt the subtle shift in Vivienne's tone and the sharpness in her words. It was clear now—Vivienne wasn't just making idle conversation, she was testing her. A woman like Vivienne, who had navigated the upper echelons of power for years, would never let down her guard so easily. She was probing, assessing whether the young Lady Evergreen was as fragile as she appeared or if there was something more beneath the surface.
Maya's fingers tightened briefly around the stem of her glass as she took in the realization. Of course, Vivienne would push harder—it was the nature of the game. And Maya was already prepared for such challenges. She had anticipated that her persona of the timid, inexperienced noblewoman wouldn't be enough to fool everyone. Women like Vivienne had sharpened their instincts in political circles filled with deceit and ambition. Maya knew she had to step carefully.
