Chapter 147

• Laila’s POV
• I stood there, frozen, as the weight of their words settled around me like a suffocating fog. My heart thudded painfully against my ribs, but I refused to let the turmoil show on my face. Instead, I focused on keeping my expression neutral, my lips pressed tightly together. Hamilton’s accusations cut deep, her voice sharp and precise like a blade aimed directly at me.
• "I’m not Lila?" The thought swirled in my mind, bitter and hollow. I clenched my fists at my sides, my nails biting into my palms as I fought the urge to lash out. Anger surged within me, but I buried it deep. Now wasn’t the time to lose control.