Author POV

The atmosphere inside the hall shifted sharply—still thick with the remnants of the chaos Giovanni’s outburst had left behind. The murmurs had yet to die down when the double doors opened again, drawing every gaze toward the entrance.

Stephanie walked in like she owned the room. Every step was deliberate, her posture flawless, the golden gown she wore catching the light with every move. Her face was calm—too calm—like a predator pretending not to notice the blood in the ...