Esme reached out to Naya and gently helped her to her feet, her gesture taking Naya by surprise, leaving her momentarily confused and bewildered.
She had not expected such a reaction.
As she stood, Esme flashed her a soft smile before pulling her into an embrace that felt more calculated than comforting. With her lips close to Naya's ear, she whispered in a low, firm tone.
"We both know you don't truly mean this apology," Esme murmured, feeling Naya's body tense in their embrace. "So let's not waste time pretending. All I ask is that you keep your distance from me and my brother. Do that, and there will be no further issues between us. Agreed?"
Naya's eyes widened in shock at Esme's unexpected bluntness, and she instinctively stepped back to see Esme still smiling at her. Esme was such a beautiful woman to the point that smile would bring any man to her knees, but it discomforted Naya. Esme then turned to Donovan and spoke calmly.