I heard footsteps behind me, the familiar click of designer heels against the break room's tile floor. I didn't need to turn around to know who had entered.
"Well, well. If it isn't the grieving mother," Natalie's voice dripped with mockery. "That was quite the performance you put on out there."
I kept my back to her, focusing on my tea. The tea bag bobbed in the hot water, releasing trails of amber that swirled through the clear liquid. "I have nothing to say to you, Natalie."
"But I have plenty to say to you." She moved closer, the scent of her expensive perfume invading my space. "Do you really think your little crystal healing display will win over the judges? After that embarrassing outburst?"
I turned to face her finally, keeping my expression neutral despite the rage simmering beneath my skin. "My 'outburst' was telling the truth about my dead daughter. Something you've been helping Julian ignore for months."
