I squared my shoulders, drawing strength from Nathaniel's presence beside me. Evelyn and Cameron stood frozen at the banquet hall entrance, the crumpled marriage certificate still clutched in her hand.
"Evelyn," I said, my voice steadier than I felt.
Her eyes darted between Nathaniel and me, lingering on our joined hands. Before she could respond, Cameron stepped forward, his normally composed face tight with anger.
"This farce ends now," he snapped. "You've embarrassed our family enough."
Nathaniel's grip on my hand tightened. "Mr. Johnson, I suggest you consider your next words carefully."
The tension between the two men crackled in the air. Cameron opened his mouth to retort when Evelyn placed a hand on his arm.
"Not here," she whispered, her eyes never leaving my face. Something unreadable flickered across her features—confusion, perhaps, or doubt.
"You're right," Nathaniel said smoothly. "Inside would be better. After all, we have an announcement to make."
