Chapter 77

Chloe's POV

For a moment, I just stared.

Then I laughed.

It slipped out before I could stop it. Not loud. Not dramatic. Just a soft, disbelieving sound that escaped me as I shook my head slightly.

People nearby turned to look.

Sylvia noticed.

Her head snapped in my direction, eyes narrowing the moment she recognized me. She straightened, lifting her chin, gathering the layers of her dress like armor, and walked toward me with forced confidence.

“What’s so funny?” she asked sharply.

I looked her up and down slowly. I didn’t rush it. I let my eyes take their time, lingering just enough to make my point.

“You,” I said calmly. “You look… ambitious.”

Her face flushed. “At least I look elegant.”

I smiled faintly. “You look like a nightmare dressed as a princess.”

A few people nearby went quiet. Someone cleared their throat awkwardly.

Sylvia scoffed. “You have some nerve showing up here.”

“I was invite