Misguided Loyalty

“Y-Y-You— That's too much, Val!”

Melanie stared at Valerie, looking aggrieved. The surface of her eyes was watery as though she was going to burst into tears if Valerie continued questioning her about it.

Perhaps Nathan would be fooled by that, but not Valerie. The smile that did not reach her eyes remained on Valerie's face as she prompted, “Hm?”

“I'm not at all close to Elliot! Why would he brib