Anya stepped forward, her eyes burning. “You’re taking her side because you don’t know who she is.”

My pulse pounded loudly in my ears, my thoughts scrambling as I tried to keep up with everything happening at once.

A smirk curled on Asher’s lips as his gaze flicked briefly in my direction before returning to Anya. He stepped closer, forcing her to take a step back. “Do you?” he asked calmly.

Anya’s gaze faltered, and Mrs Stone stepped forward, clearly losing patience. “Asher, these people are ruining my party. I want them out of here now.”

“Calm down, Mom,” Asher said, his voice controlled but firm. “I’m going to handle...