Chapter 79

Vanessa turned her head and saw Isla standing nearby, dressed casually with her ponytail swaying, looking effortlessly elegant and grinning ear to ear. "Vanessa, when I got your birthday invite, I was still out of town, busy with this super important business deal. Thought I might not make it," Isla said cheerfully. "But after two days of grinding, I made it just in time! Happy birthday, gorgeous!" She handed Vanessa an adorable Barbie doll, still smiling. "Remember how into Barbies you were back then? I designed and made this one myself-completely one of a kind. Hope you like it." "Thanks." Vanessa took the doll, a little caught off guard. Isla seemed like someone who didn't fuss over tiny details, but her gift showed just how thoughtful she really was. Even if Barbie dolls weren't something the current Vanessa was into-probably the original Vanessa's thing-Isla's effort truly touched her. She stepped forward and gave Isla a quick hug. "You really went out of your way, Isla." Before t