Chapter 83

MAYA'S POV The whispers had already begun to spread like wildfire, murmurs from one side of the room to the other, spreading through the chatter and laughter until it was impossible to ignore. “The news of Oliver’s arrival to celebrate Grandma Grace's birthday has spread.” That sentence kept echoing in my head. And now every glance, every stare, every giggle, seemed to carry that weight. I could hear them clearly. “Is that Lucas Banner in the picture?” one of the women asked from across the table, holding her phone a little too high so everyone around could lean in. “And that beautiful lady beside him is president Micheal’s niece?” another chimed in, her voice filled with admiration. “If that's correct, then it all makes sense now.” I stiffened in my seat, my fingers tightening around my glass. Another guest leaned in, frowning in curiosity. “Why do you say so?” The first one smiled knowingly, as if she were the keeper of every scandal in the city. “They both attended one event togethe