Chapter 47

Maya’s POV

I fought to keep my eyes open even though the flash from the camera almost blinded me. The sudden burst of light burned into my retinas, but I managed to force a steady gaze and offered my best smile.

“Thank you so much, Hart—very nice!” I said, my voice steady despite the dazzle of the studio lights.

After a polite handshake, the photographer turned to face the next person in line, leaving us to step away from the spotlight. Even as we moved on, more cameras clicked and flashed from different angles, capturing every moment of our ascent.

We stepped onto the plush velvet carpet that led to the top of the grand staircase. Soft floodlights blinked in our direction, casting long shadows on the marble steps. Elias kept his arm snugly around my bare waist the entire time, anchoring me to his side, while I sli