Gaia's POV

Astrein's hand closed around mine, firm and resolute. Without a word, he led me across the restaurant floor toward Isabella and Evelyn's table.

Isabella's face went pale the moment she saw us approaching. Her composure—that perfect, unshakeable calm she always maintained—cracked visibly.

Evelyn reacted first, her voice rising in panicked defense. "This has nothing to do with me! I just came along for fun. She's the one who insisted on going after Dennis. I ...