A Test of Loyalties

Mandy looked away from Bella, her face tight with concern. She glanced at the phone screen, but the words on the other end were still blur, replaced by a sinking feeling in her stomach. She tried to shake it off, forcing a smile when she noticed Bella was still watching her, curiosity burning in her eyes.

“What’s going on, Mandy? Who was on the phone? Who is Davis?” Bella asked at once, her tone laced with genuine worry.

Mandy plastered on a fake smile, waving her hand dismissively. “Oh, nothing. Just some business partner, talking about business stuff. You know how it is.”

Bella eyed her skeptically but decided not to press further. She knew her sister too well; if Mandy didn’t want to share, no amount of prying would get her to open up. Instead, Bella let it go, hoping that a little time together might lift Mandy’s spirits.

“How about we take a break? Just the two of us—sisters’ day out,” Mandy suggested suddenly, her eyes lighting up with a flicker of excitement.

Bella’s face