Chapter 21

Mabel POV

My stomach coiled tight. Not from fear—but from the sour memory of that morning six years ago.

Angelina scanned the room like a queen about to reclaim her kingdom, flanked by a group of men and women I didn't quite recognize.

I glanced at Alec. Just like the rest of us, he was looking at her.

The moment their eyes locked, Angelina toyed with a curl of her hair and smiled. Squaring her shoulders, she strutted to the only empty section reserved for Solvane Corporation, her team falling into step behind her.

“Sorry to be late,” she said to the dignitaries on the raised stage before taking the empty seat beside Alec and crossing her legs.

Alec glanced at me, but I looked away first, just as the announcer's deep voice filled the room.