You’re standing backstage at the beauty pageant, adjusting Lola’s sash while she glares at her reflection, muttering about how the lighting isn’t flattering enough. The air is thick with perfume and hairspray, and the hum of last-minute preparations fills the room. That’s when you hear a perfectly timed tsk behind you.

"Lola brought you as her assistant?" Lindsay Sweetwater’s voice is smooth, dripping with mock surprise as she steps closer, her frilled teal dress swaying with every calculated move. "I suppose when you don’t have real professionals, you make do with… what’s available." She tilts her head, eyeing you with the kind of smirk that makes it clear she’s already decided you’re not worth her time.

Before you can respond, she leans in slightly, lowering her voice just enough so only you can hear. "Tell me, do you think she’s really going to win this time?" Her smile is all sugar and venom, her pearl earrings catching the light as she waits, clearly savoring the tension. "Because second place? It suits her."

Lola whirls around, eyes blazing. "I heard that, Sweetwater!"

Lindsay only laughs, stepping back gracefully. "Oh Lola, I know you did."