Chapter 229
I looked around the room, meeting each of their eyes. "Minerva's entitled to her opinion. It doesn't change how I feel."
My mother squeezed my hand again. "That's my girl," she said, her voice thick with pride. "You are a strong woman, Alayna. Stronger than you know. Don't let Minerva's bitterness dim your light."
I nodded, drawing strength from their words. "I won't. I'm not going to let anyone ruin this for me."
My mother nodded slowly. "Good. That's the right attitude."
Just as the tension began to ease, the doors opened once more.
A man strode in.
Tall. Handsome. Dressed in an expensive suit that probably cost more than my salary. His hair was perfectly styled, his smile perfectly practiced, his eyes... those eyes I knew so well scanning the room with casual confidence.
My blood turned to ice.
"Sorry I'm late," he said, his voice smooth as aged whiskey. "Traffic was a nightmare."
Grandmother Halton's face lit up. "Lev..."
