Chapter 30

The moment Marina spotted them, her silver dress catching the light like a blade, she began gliding toward them with a deliberate smile. Every step was measured, like a predator crossing the room. Lily's lips barely moved as she leaned toward David and muttered under her breath, "Here's your lover." Her tone was flat, not even sharp with jealousy—just bored, dismissive, as if she'd been expecting this from the moment she stepped into the gala. David's fingers closed around her hand suddenly, his grip firm enough to make her look at him. "Lily," he said in a low, warning voice, his dark eyes narrowing slightly, "don't create a scene here." She met his gaze with stubborn defiance, her chin tilting up. "You should tell your beloved that, not me. And honestly, why bring me here if she was coming too? You could've just told everyone she's your wife. That would've saved you the trouble." The words hit their mark. His jaw tightened, and for a second, it looked like he might say something hars