As Hazel glided towards them, her presence seemed to suck the air out of the room, leaving Layla and Ethan gasping for breath.

Layla's eyes widened in shock, her legs trembling beneath her like a leaf, and she stumbled, her body tilting precariously to one side. Ethan's quick reflexes saved her from a humiliating fall, his hand shooting out to grab her elbow and steady her.

Hazel's eyes gleamed with a knowing light, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Hi, sister...are you so shocked to see me?" She raised an eyebrow, her gaze flicking between Layla and Ethan, her expression a masterclass in cool, calm, and collected.

Layla's eyes were saucers,...