Victor leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing just a fraction, as if calculating a different approach. He let the silence stretch, then exhaled through his nose.
"Well," he said finally, his voice lighter, "that's the fire I like to see. Passion. Determination. Maybe we can channel some of that." His gaze slid to the girls, lingering just a little too long. "After all, fresh talent… is the lifeblood of this business. And you four have the kind of presence that turns heads before you even open your mouths."
The compliment hung there like perfume… sweet on the surface, cloying underneath.
