Ella
The moment Kent’s words landed—sharp, public, unmistakably aimed at me—I felt the air around me tighten.
The camera swung my way like a predator that had finally scented blood.
Ella.
I reminded myself of that name as I slowly lifted my gaze, meeting the lens head-on. Inside, I exhaled. Outside, my expression remained calm—almost bored. Years of swallowing humiliation had taught me one thing well: never let them see you flinch.
The live chat exploded instantly.
“Whoa—did Kent just call her out like that??”
“Yikes. This is getting messy already.”
“Who does Ella think she is, trying to mess with Paige?”
“Kent defending Paige like that is so hot though.”
I could practically hear Paige’s satisfied sigh behind her polite smile.
Of course this was deliberate.
Kent hadn’t gone off
