Crystal’s sequined dress shimmered under the glow of the Christmas tree lights, but her smile was sharp, brittle. From across the dance floor, she had watched Holly return on Lee’s arm, steady and unbroken. It gnawed at her—she had expected chaos, a fracture, maybe even a public fight. Instead, Holly looked stronger than ever, and Lee’s protective hand at her back only deepened Crystal’s bitterness.
She swept forward, heels clicking against the polished floor, her voice slicing through the carols.
“Well, Lee,” she said, her tone dripping with disdain. “What kind of man stands beside a woman who plays him? Or are you too blind to see what she’s been doing behind your back?”
Holly stiffened, her breath catching, but Lee’s jaw only tightened as he turned to face Crystal. Before he could sp
