Chapter 73

• Anita’s Pov
• The ballroom was awash with soft lights, laughter, and music, but I felt far from relaxed. I did my best to ignore the watchful eyes of my stepmother across the room, hoping to get through the evening with minimal interaction. The elegant green silk dress Alpha Hades had chosen for me felt both empowering and exposing, drawing glances I was unaccustomed to. I forced myself to stay focused on my duties as his assistant and kept a polite, composed demeanor.
• But just as I thought I’d managed to avoid her, I felt a light touch on my shoulder. I turned, and there she was, a feigned look of pain on her face as she gestured toward her ankle.