NIKOLAI
Magnolia remained motionless, with disheveled hair, heavy breathing, and flushed cheeks. When she looked up, her eyes locked onto mine with a mix of disappointment and anger. There was something wounded in her expression, but she masked it with pride.
"So it's true?" she asked, her voice barely trembling. "Did you remarry, Nikolai?"
The silence was absolute. Bianca smiled in a corner, savoring every second of the discomfort. Zoe stood by, feigning neutrality, though I could feel her steady gaze on me.
I inhaled slowly before responding.
"Magnolia, this is neither the place nor the time," I said with controlled calm. "Let's talk in private. I don't want more scandals."
She laughed, a dry and bitter chuckle.
"Private? After this?" Raising a hand to indicate the mess around her
