Chapter 298

• When the question hung in the air, I could feel every gaze shift toward the empty space where I should’ve been. My absence wasn’t subtle. Given that I was soon to be formally engaged to Rafael, my presence at Helen’s high-profile networking event was expected.
• Amid the growing murmurs, Helen’s voice cut through, cool and measured. “This gathering isn’t an occasion open to just anyone.”
• Her words made the meaning clear: she had deliberately excluded her future daughter-in-law.