"I heard that you're going to be a full-time actress now," she said without preamble.
Her tone was casual, but there was something underneath it that made Hailey feel like she was being evaluated rather than congratulated.
Hailey nodded, trying to match Victoria's casual attitude.
"Yes, Walter told me about Miles's offer. I'm very excited about the opportunity."
"Congratulations," Victoria said, though her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "That's wonderful news. Really wonderful."
"Thank you," Hailey replied. "I learned so much from watching you work. This opportunity really wouldn't have been possible without everything I observed during our time working together."
Victoria tilted her head slightly, as if considering Hailey's words from multiple angles.
"That's very kind of you to say," she said. "But I have to ask – with this new acting career, will you still be able to be my stand-in?"
The question seemed innocent enough.
