Carla looked like she'd dressed up for the interruption.
Her dark hair was perfectly styled, her makeup was flawless, and she was wearing a cream-colored dress that probably cost more than most people made in a year.
She stood on the garden path with the kind of posture that came from years of being told she belonged in rooms like this.
"Don't let me interrupt," Carla said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "I just came to check on the... preparations for tomorrow night."
Nico didn't stand. He didn't even shift his position on the bench. "You weren't invited to check on anything," he said flatly.
Carla's smile tightened. "Bruno invited me to the Gala. As his guest. I thought it would be polite to offer my assistance to the new Regent, given that she's so... inexperienced with these events."
Mara felt the dig land exactly where Carla intended it to.
"I appreciate the offer," Mara said, keeping her voice level, "but I have it handled."
