It wasn’t dramatic. Not at first. There was no music cue, no loud argument, no obvious shift.
It was subtle, like a pleasant room suddenly filled with smoke.
Eve saw Ryan’s posture stiffen before she even turned her head. His hand on her knee went still.
Tevin’s grin faltered.
Maxwell’s eyes lifted, sharp.
Eve turned slowly.
Bruno walked in.
And with him, Luan.
Kimberly was not there.
Luan looked polished, hair perfect, makeup flawless, dressed like she’d planned this entrance for hours. She moved with that kind of confidence people wore when they believed they belonged wherever they wanted.
Bruno tried to act casual, but his shoulders were stiff, his jaw tight. He looked like a man walking into a scene he’d already lost control of.
Eve’s stomach tightened, not with fear, not ex
