Chapter 99: Attention

We navigated through the crowd, and as we passed Samantha, I felt the intensity of her gaze burning into my back.

Turning my attention back to Nicholas, who had excused himself from the council members and was now heading in my direction. The concern etched in his brow deepened, and I braced myself for his questions.

As Layla and I approached Nicholas, a group of older council members blocked our path. Their grins were more unsettling than reassuring.

"Ah, Florence! You look positively radiant tonight," one of them exclaimed, his voice dripping with exaggerated charm that set my teeth on edge.

I mustered a polite smile, masking my discomfort. "Thank you, it's kind of you to say so."

Layla, standing protectively by my side, shot them a warning glance. "Gentlemen, let's not keep the lady from her destination. She has a host to meet."

However, they persisted, showering compliments and attempting to engage us in trivial conversation. Each word felt like a chore to endure.