Trouble Brewing

"I know you're waiting for an explanation," Harley said, turning to face Isabelle.

"Sandra... was my best friend," she added softly, her voice tinged with both sorrow and regret.

Isabelle blinked, taken aback. "Oh..." she murmured, stepping closer to Harley. "You two had a falling out? Even so, that doesn't give her the right to treat you like that."

Harley sighed, her shoulders slumping. "It's... more complicated than that," she replied, her voice shaky. She took a deep breath, as if bracing herself. "I need to confess something," she said, looking directly at Isabelle, her gaze intense. "I didn't bring you here just for the party. I have ulterior motives."

"Is this why you approached me in the first place?" Isabelle questioned; her face emotionless.

Isabelle's mind clicked into place. I should have known, she thought, her emotions unreadable as she studied Harley's face.