Chapter 42

Nina’s POV

I steadied myself, my fingers curling tighter around Mark’s arm as I glanced at the murmuring crowd. Alexa’s voice sliced through the low hum of chatter. She looked at me with a mixture of triumph and mockery, her eyes gleaming like a predator that had found it’s prey. Meanwhile, Jordan’s narrowed gaze bore into me with a fury that simmered just below the surface. My heart pounded, but I forced myself to remain calm, keeping my expression neutral as I looked on. They wanted a reaction out of me, a hint of insecurity or fear—but I wouldn’t give them that satisfaction.

Just as I tried to focus elsewhere, a figure approached. I immediately recognized the man who had been one of the many people gossiping about me when I entered the room. He was handsome, with a smirk that was more venom than charm. As he walked closer, he didn’t bother hiding his disdain, his gaze fixated on me with an intensity that was unsettling. Mark’s posture shifted subtly beside me,