Chapter 41 Meet And Greet

• The party was in full swing, buzzing with energy and life. Katherine’s grand birthday celebration had brought together students from Ann’s school, families from the pack, and influential figures, some familiar and others not. The venue was packed, with laughter and chatter filling the air as music played softly in the background.
• Ann stood beside the Harper family, greeting wave after wave of guests. Katherine introduced her to each family, and Ann did her best to smile politely and nod at their comments. It wasn’t long before the repetition became tedious. Some guests were warm and welcoming, while others regarded her with skepticism or, worse, disdain. Their sideways glances and thinly veiled judgment didn’t escape her notice.
• Just as she was beginning to feel the strain of it all, three figures approached. Ann’s breath hitched as she recognized them instantly—her father, Margret, and Prudence.