Chapter 60. Fractures Beneath the Surface

Victoria’s POV

Across the room, Lily’s carefully crafted smile faltered, her eyes narrowing as she watched Dominic and me take our seats. Her fingers clenched around the stem of her wineglass, the delicate crystal trembling under her grip. Despite her attempts to mask it, the envy radiating from her was palpable.

The applause that had followed Dominic’s grand gesture had barely faded, but the weight of the room’s attention had shifted. No longer was Lily the star of the evening, basking in Ethan’s extravagant bid on her behalf. Instead, all eyes were on Dominic and, by extension, me.

Lily couldn’t bear it.

Her gaze flickered toward Ethan, who seemed oblivious to her turmoil as he exchanged pleasantries with a nearby guest. That only made her seethe more. With a sharp exhale, she set her glass down, the sound drawing Ethan’s attention.

“Excuse me,” she muttered through gritted teeth, her voice brittle. Without waiting for a response, she rose from