Ava's POV
I turned around and there she was… Laura.
She stepped into my path like she had every right to stand there, like the space itself belonged to her.
Her voice dropped just enough, gentle and private, but not so quiet that others couldn’t hear.
They were carefully chosen words.
“I had a meeting with an artist today,” she said lightly, “but it got canceled last minute. Victor insisted I come to Mrs. Mills’ birthday party, so… here I am.”
My jaw tightened… of course he did.
Her eyes drifted slowly over me, taking in the soaked gown, the ruined fringe clinging to my body like damp fur after a storm.
Satisfaction flickered in her gaze.
“Looks like we’re twinning tonight,” she continued, her lips curving slightly. “Too bad yours got ruined.”
Each word landed like a claw draggin
