Ainsley used to be gentle. Now she was very sharp, like a hedgehog straightening its thorns.
Irene smiled. Ainsley now looked like the sharp Ainsley several years ago.
The phone rang. It was a call from Manuel.
"Hello, Manuel."
Manuel questioned, "Where are you?"
"I'm at the café." She said in a warm voice.
Manuel's voice grew sharper. "With whom?"
She picked up her coffee cup and took a sip, then put it down heavily. "Just me right now. If you're asking who I was seeing just now, you should know."
"Ainsley?" Manuel drew a cold breath.
Irene burst out laughing. "Manuel, what are you worried about? I didn't say anything to her, except to wish her success in the competition."
"You crossed the line." Manuel's tone was cold.
Irene's face fell. Listening to the busy tone of the phone, she angrily stood up and walked away.
Twenty million dollars?