Chapter 60

Angela POV

Christina's smile widened, triumph gleaming in her eyes.

"Oh yes, Sean was so worried about getting it right. He said something about wanting to make sure you looked appropriate for the occasion. Luckily, I know exactly what works for your... current situation."

"Actually," Sean's voice cut through the tension, his green eyes fixing Christina with an unexpectedly stern look, "I happened to run into Christina at Bergdorf's while I was choosing your dress. She offered her opinion, that's all."

I stared at Sean, caught off guard by his swift correction of Christina's implication. Even more surprising was the warning glance he shot in her direction, causing her triumphant smile to falter slightly.

This was... unexpected. Sean rarely contradicted Christina about anything.

Looking around the ballroom, I recognized so many familiar faces from the past two years.

There was a time when their presence would have filled me with anxiety-when I would have obsessed over every detail of my appearance, every word I spoke, desperately seeking their approval and acceptance.

But now? Now it all seemed so meaningless.

Soon, I would leave this artificial world behind forever. How foolish I'd been, wasting so much energy trying to win the approval of people who were never truly friends to begin with.

"Sean! Angela!" William West's voice cut through the ambient chatter as he approached, champagne glass in hand. His smile was just a touch too wide, his eyes holding that familiar glint that usually preceded trouble. "You both look spectacular tonight."

I tensed slightly, recognizing the mischievous tone in William's voice. I'd known him long enough to sense when he was about to stir things up.

"Christina!" William called out suddenly. "Come join us! You remember that amazing waltz you and Sean performed at the university Spring Formal? The one that had everyone talking for weeks?"

The crowd parted slightly as Christina made her way over, her red dress a stark contrast to my more understated choice.

She moved with practiced grace, but I could see the calculated nature of each step, the way her hips swayed just a bit too deliberately.

"How could I forget?" Christina's laugh tinkled like wind chimes. "Sean was always such a magnificent dancer. Remember how we used to practice in the student lounge after hours?"

William's grin widened. "Why don't you two show us if you've still got it? For old times' sake?"

The suggestion sent a ripple through the gathered crowd. I could hear the whispers starting already:

"They were such a perfect couple in college..."

"Remember how everyone thought they'd end up together?"

"Well, this marriage to Angela is just business anyway..."

I kept my expression carefully neutral as I sipped my water, disguised in a champagne flute. I turned my attention to the elaborate spread of hors d'oeuvres nearby.

"Sean and Christina were legendary at every social event," someone in the crowd added. "When are we going to see that magic again?"

Evan White cleared his throat. "I believe Sean's dancing these days is reserved for his wife." His tone was pleasant but firm, his eyes meeting William's with quiet warning.

Christina's smile didn't waver, but I noticed her fingers tightening almost imperceptibly around her champagne stem.

"Oh, I wouldn't dream of imposing," she said sweetly, taking a step closer to Sean. "Unless, of course, Angela doesn't mind? We could give everyone a little taste of nostalgia."

I continued selecting carefully from the appetizer selection, appearing completely absorbed in the task. I could feel Christina's presence beside me, practically vibrating with barely contained anticipation.

"Angela?" Christina's voice took on a harder edge. "I'm speaking to you. The polite thing would be to respond."

The room grew quieter, the background conversation dying down as people turned to watch the interaction. I delicately picked up a smoked salmon canapé, examining it with profound interest.

"Angela," Christina's voice softened with practiced concern, her eyes searching the watching crowd. "I only want to be friends. Is something wrong? You seem so... distant lately."

"Angela knows exactly what she's doing," Jennifer Moore, Christina's closest friend, cut in sharply. "Playing the quiet, dignified wife while she's nothing but a gold-digging opportunist from a bankrupt family. Everyone knows she trapped Sean into this marriage. A failed investment banker's daughter trying to climb the social ladder-how pathetic. At least Christina comes from real money, not some washed-up-"

"Choose your next words very carefully." Sean's green eyes had turned to ice as he stared her down.

"Sean," Christina laid a hand on his arm, her voice honey-sweet. "Jennifer's just had a bit too much champagne. She doesn't mean-"

"Apologize to my wife." Sean's tone left no room for argument. "Now."

Jennifer's face flushed red. "I won't apologize to someone who-"

"Then leave." Sean's voice cut through the air like a whip. "Either apologize to Mrs. Shaw, or security will escort you out."

"Sean!" Christina's voice held a note of panic. "You can't be serious. Jennifer's one of my oldest friends!"

"Which is the only reason she's being given the choice to leave on her own rather than being removed immediately." Sean's expression remained impassive. "Your friendship doesn't give her the right to insult my wife in my presence."

The tension in the room was palpable as Jennifer stood her ground for a moment longer before turning on her heel and storming out.

Christina watched her go, her perfectly maintained composure showing its first crack of the evening.

"May I have this dance?"

The quiet question came from Christopher, who had appeared at my side. He held out his hand with an elegant flourish, his expression warm but carefully neutral.

I set down my plate and placed my hand in his without hesitation. "You may."