"…Noel Thorne." Anastasia's voice was firm, her red eyes steady as she looked at him. "The boy who lied about having a girlfriend."
The words landed like a dagger on the table.
Elyra's glass paused halfway to her lips, intrigue sharpening into something cooler. Elena blinked rapidly, her brows knitting tighter as she glanced at Noel.
Noel exhaled slowly, pressing his palm against his forehead. 'Of course. She's bringing that up here?'
Anastasia didn't wait for his reply. She pulled a chair, sat down as if she belonged, and crossed one leg neatly over the other. Her presence, small as her frame was, dominated the moment.
Elyra set her glass down with deliberate grace. "Bold of you to walk up and start with an accusation."
Anastasia didn't flinch. "I don't accuse. I state what I know."
Elena fidgeted, eyes flicking between them. "Wait… girlfriend? Noel?" Her voice was quiet, hesitant, as though the claim had caught her completely off guard.
