Veronica's POV
Whitney forced a tight smile as she addressed the curious guests. "Years back, we all believed Veronica had died in that fire. Turns out she was fortunate enough to make it out alive. She only just came back."
"Ah, that makes sense!"
"After all this time away, Veronica's become absolutely gorgeous! Wonder if anyone's put a ring on her finger yet?"
I watched as the guests' focus shifted entirely to me, and Whitney's frustration became almost palpable.
She kept her hostess mask perfectly in place, but I could sense the irritation simmering underneath. Approaching me with her most radiant smile, she said sweetly, "Well, well—look who decided to grace us with her presence!"
Liana spotted my unexpected entrance too.
Bewildered, she must have been wondering why I'd chosen today to make such a dramatic appearance.
Alonzo's response was the most intense of all. The moment Whitney called me by name, he went rigid, his face draining of color.
