Chapter 52: Charity Façade

As Robin rejoins the throng of guests in the opulent ballroom, she can't help but feel a growing unease.

The air is thick with the chatter of the well-heeled guests, champagne flutes clinking and laughter echoing through the large space. Robin honestly feels like going home.

Layla, ever the consummate hostess, glides through the crowd with practiced grace, her smile dazzling and her laughter lilting.

But Robin can't shake the memory of Layla's cruel outburst, the way her delicate features had twisted with unbridled rage.

At the start everything is perfect - Layla graciously accepting compliments on the event's lavish decor, engaging in polite small talk, and deftly maneuvering through the crowd.

But as Robin observes more closely, she begins to notice subtle discrepancies.

Layla's gaze lingers a fraction too long on certain individuals, her brow furrowing ever so slightly before she heads towards them.