The crowd slowly settled after the unexpected entrance. Soft chatter resumed, but many eyes lingered on the tall man who had just arrived.

He stepped inside, his arrival quiet but commanding. He wore a tailored navy-blue suit that hugged his broad frame with sharp precision. 

His dark hair was neatly brushed back, revealing a high forehead and strong brow. But it was his eyes that drew attention—sharp, striking, and an intense shade of green that seemed to cut through the noise.

In his hand was a rectangular gift box wrapped in deep green paper and gold ribbon.

Anika, standing near the front of the hall with Maya and the Denovans,...