Chapter 140

Lily was still surrounded by the women, answering their curious questions, when the atmosphere in the room shifted. It was subtle at first, the way a few heads turned, the sudden hush of whispers, the glances exchanged across the hall. Then, the sound of heels clicking against marble echoed sharper than the rest. Lily’s stomach twisted before she even looked up. She didn’t need anyone to tell her who it was. Marina Laurent walked into the room like the entire place belonged to her. The silver dress hugged her body like liquid, her golden hair falling down her shoulders, and that confident smile plastered across her face. Her arm was linked with David’s. He was in his black suit, perfectly tailored, sharp as ever. His hand rested casually at Marina’s back, guiding her through the crowd. He looked… exactly the same as always. Cold. Untouchable. Like nothing in the world could affect him. But to Lily, he was a storm. Her pulse beat so hard in her ears she almost missed the voices around h