Chapter 49. Secrets, Smoke, and Shadows
Bernard suddenly stood up, feeling increasingly uncomfortable around Cassandra and her constant, unexpected questions.
Cassandra was surprised to see him get up and tried to stop him by calling out his name.
"Bernard, wait! Where are you going? I’m sorry for asking too many questions—I promise to stop!" she pleaded.
Bernard paused and turned to look at her, but it was clear he wasn’t going to return to where he had been sitting.
He walked away calmly, never once looking back at Cassandra.
Cassandra remained seated, watching him walk out of the hall. But just after he left, she was hit with a sudden shock when Maria and Laura emerged from a narrow, dark corner where they had been hiding and eavesdropping on the entire conversation between her and Bernard.
"No way! Don’t tell me you girls were there the whole time, listening to my conversation with Bernard!" Cassandra exclaimed in shock.
"Yes, we were! And I must say, you’re amazing at acting... Wow, girl, you’re seriously good!" Maria said, her face lit up with excitement.
Cassandra beamed at the compliment and turned to Laura.
"Come on, Laura, what do you think of my acting skills?" she asked with a smile spread across her face.
"You know, acting as a career wouldn’t be a bad idea for you. You did excellently—I’m really impressed!" Laura replied, showering Cassandra with praise.