Nicole’s POV
The hall was an uproar of gasps and whispers as Jake strode toward Nathan’s throne, that same insufferable smirk on his face. He inclined his head just slightly, as if he were a guest who had arrived fashionably late rather than the traitor he was. His eyes found mine, lingering there as if he had some right to even look at me, and he murmured, “You look beautiful, Nicole.”
The flippant tone, the way he addressed me as if he was making polite small talk, was the last thing I wanted to hear. Rage bubbled up from my chest, and I clenched my fists to keep myself in check. Jake hadn’t just intruded—he had ruined my coronation, turning what should have been a moment of unity and celebration into one of chaos and confrontation.
Nathan’s expression was lethal as he ordered his g
