Chapter 331

• As I stepped into the grand foyer of Hell Monarch Estate, a wave of voices hit me congratulations and well-wishes echoing from every direction. Some faces were familiar from the high-powered social circuit, others were just names I’d heard whispered in boardrooms or splashed across media profiles.
• Then came Hazel’s sharp, overly familiar voice, grating instantly on my nerves. And of course, Jessica was there too adding her high-pitched commentary to the already chaotic buzz. This was not the seamless engagement celebration I’d envisioned.
• Rafeal, ever the showman, was stealing more attention than I was and I was the bride. But before irritation could sink in, Violet appeared at my side, her hand slipping into mine with a warm, grounding grip.