Chapter 47

Elena’s POV Bella froze the moment she saw me. For a second, she looked like she was staring at a stranger. Mark’s reaction was slower but worse. Surprise flickered across his face, then something like lust took over. His gaze slid over my dress in a way that made my skin crawl. He wasn’t the only one who noticed. A few other men nearby were already staring too. Bella recovered first. “What is she doing here?” she snapped, her voice sharp enough to cut glass. Philip didn’t even flinch. His arm stayed firm around my shoulders. “She’s with me.” Bella let out a harsh laugh. “Absolutely not. She’s not stepping into my event. You have no idea what kind of woman she is, Mr. Arthur." Philip tilted his head, clearly bored. “You mean the stories you’ve been spreading? Funny thing is, none of them concern me.” “She’s inappropriate and shameless," Bella insisted. “She…” “She enjoys male company?” Philip interrupted lightly. “That’s what you told people, right?” He smiled. “Honestly, I find that r