Elena had been simmering with rage ever since Layla had lashed out at her. The venomous words still rang in her ears, cutting deeper than any knife.
"You couldn't make us win with your talent even after we stole Avery's concept, and now you want me to humiliate myself by bribing the judges?!" Layla had screamed, her voice echoing like a whip cracking across Elena's pride.
Elena had flinched. Her mind had gone blank. Never, not once had she imagined Layla, of all people, would refuse such an idea. Up until now, Layla had carried herself like the embodiment of ruthless ambition, a woman who would burn down cities if it meant victory.
Elena had been sure she would jump at the chance to manipulate the judges.
But instead, Layla had spat her disgust like poison.
