The Price of Alliance

Penelope found herself perched somewhat awkwardly on the sidelines.

She couldn't shake off the feeling of being an unnecessary third wheel, just hovering in the background.

'It's pretty obvious that Isla knows that guy sitting next to her. He's got to be some big-shot CEO or something,' Penelope thought.

For Penelope, Isla had always been someone to look up to, a true role model.

She was aware tha