Chapter 51

Nina’s POV

I stood there in silence, heart racing, trying to keep my cool as Mrs. Santiago’s sharp gaze settled on me. Her lips were pressed tight, her face set in an expression that was somewhere between fury and disappointment. I knew better than to speak—one wrong word, and this situation could easily explode.

“Mark, if you’re going to be entertaining this... this girl, knowing how it will affect the McDonalds and the Roberts’ family reputation...” Mrs. Santiago’s voice trailed off, thick with disapproval. My stomach churned at her tone, but I swallowed back any retort. I couldn’t cause a scene here, not with her as furious as she was.

I could feel Mark’s hand tighten slightly around mine. “Grandma, I don’t think Nina’s presence has anything to do with Mr. McDonald’s reaction,” he said calmly. His attempt at diplomacy only seemed to aggravate his grandmother further.

“Oh really? You think Mr. McDonald won’t care?” Mrs. Santiago’s gaze flicked to me,