The room seemed to freeze. Elara felt as if all the air had been sucked out of her lungs. Jackson’s eyes widened in shock, while Nina and Serena exchanged knowing glances.

“Vera!” Jackson hissed, but she ignored him.

“Since childhood,” Vera continued, her voice rising, “we were together, and then suddenly he gets married to... to you?” She spat the last word like it was poison.

Damian appeared at Elara side as if he had materialized from thin air. His presence was commanding, his expression dark. “Vera. I suggest you remember where you are.”

“Remember?” Vera laughed. The sound was brittle and sharp. “Oh, I remember everything, Damian.”

Jackson glanced...