章 229: A couple's first argument

Amara led Elara into her study, closing the door behind them with an exaggerated gentleness. She turned, her usual smirk replaced by something softer. "Okay," she started, leaning against the edge of her desk, "let's talk about this trip."

Elara crossed her arms but kept her tone light. "What about it?"

"What about it?" Amara repeated, raising an eyebrow. "You dropped the news on us like a plot twist at breakfast. Do you think maybe, just maybe, I deserved a heads-up?"

Elara's lips curved into a small smile. "Amara, it's just an audition. Marisol and I will be back before you know it."

"You're going to another country, Elara. It's not like you're running down to the corner store for milk."

Elara stepped closer, her tone calm but firm. "I didn't tell you earlier because I didn't want to stress you out. You're busy with the CEO training, and I didn't think it was a big deal."