章 271: Beneath the Facade      

[IRAYA]

As we reached the table, Kylie didn't let go of my wrist, keeping me close as if I might bolt at any second. She gestured to an empty seat beside her. "Sit! We were just talking about how beautiful the mansion looks tonight."

I sat stiffly, placing my hands in my lap to keep them from trembling. The last thing I wanted was to show any sign of weakness.

Jason remained silent, but his occasional glances in my direction were enough to keep me on edge. Kylie, meanwhile, chattered on as if nothing had ever happened between us—as if she hadn't betrayed me in the worst possible way.

"Doesn't she look stunning tonight, Jason?" Kylie asked suddenly, turning to him with an expectant smile.

Jason cleared his throat, clearly caught off guard. "Uh, yeah. You look . . . great, Iraya."