Chapter 77

When Valeria arrived at work, Lindsey was the first to notice the mark on her chin. The one on her neck could be hidden with a scarf. But the faint red smear on her jaw, even though it had faded, was still visible against her fair skin. Lindsey, the gossip queen that she was, also knew how to read the room. Lowering her voice, she said, "Something's going on, huh, Valeria?" "Nothing," Valeria replied, opening her laptop. Lindsey leaned in. "Don't tell me it was a mosquito bite. It's the middle of winter. I'm not buying that." She squeezed Valeria's shoulders and grinned. "But wow, that must've been one intense night. Biting your chin? That's not going away anytime soon. I've got concealer in my bag—a super good one. Do you want to borrow it?" She handed it over without waiting for a reply. Valeria said quietly, "Thanks." From the director's office, Sabrina's voice echoed. Lindsey got called in. Ten minutes later, she came back out looking pale and shaken, walking on eggshells.