Aria's POV
I turned to find Vanessa stumbling toward us, wine glass in hand, clearly intoxicated.
My whole body went rigid. I hadn't expected her to be here.
She wore an elegant ice-blue evening gown with delicate beading, a white silk shawl draped over her shoulders.
She looked sophisticated, expensive—and absolutely furious beneath her alcohol-flushed cheeks.
"Vanessa." Damian's voice dropped several degrees. "What are you doing here?"
"You're getting engaged." Her words slurred slightly. "How could I miss the chance to congratulate you?"
She raised her glass toward Damian, then turned her attention to me.
Her eyes raked over me with barely concealed hostility before she forced a smile. "Miss Smith, I didn't expect he would actually choose you."
The bitternes
