Chapter 49. Jealousy

Lily’s POV

The hall buzzed with energy, the kind of atmosphere that only money, power, and prestige could conjure. The clinking of glasses, polite laughter, and soft murmurs of admiration filled the space as guests mingled beneath the dazzling chandeliers.

I had been to countless events like this, but tonight felt different.

Something gnawed at me, a sharp, relentless edge of irritation that refused to be ignored.

Ethan was by my side, his hand lightly resting on the small of my back—a gesture meant to reassure, but it only annoyed me further. He’d been distracted all evening, his eyes darting through the crowd like he was searching for something—or someone.

No, not someone. I already knew who.

My gaze landed on her, and a fresh wave of resentment surged through me.

Victoria Hawthorne.....

I barely recognized her at first. The woman standing across the room, commanding attention with her effortless poise and radiant confidence,