*A stranger*

Bianca Santoro moved through the event with grace like she owned the place, her black sequin dress shimmering under the golden lights. Eyes following her.

Valentina felt Lucas’s grip on her waist loosen slightly as Bianca approached with an unwavering confidence.

"Lucas," Bianca greeted, leaning in to place a kiss on both his cheeks, as though Valentina wasn’t standing right there.

Lucas returned the greeting, with a small frown. "Bianca."

Bianca barely spared Valentina a ...