Valeria was the first to spot her approaching, lifting her champagne glass with a grin that bordered on wicked. "Look who finally escaped the royal court."
Renee turned too, her eyes warm and glittering under the soft lights. "Darling, you were perfection tonight. That runway? That entrance? That gown? You were it. Absolutely unforgettable."
Eliana chuckled, the tension in her shoulders easing instantly in their presence. Their energy wrapped around her like a protective cloak. "It wasn't my show."
Renee gasped theatrically, hand to chest. "Don't be humble. You carried Luca across that finish line and you know it. He may have stitched the hems, but you made sure the whole thing didn't unravel."
Valeria stepped in, circling Eliana slowly and eyeing her gown with open appreciation. "And this dress on you? Goddess-tier. If we were in a fantasy film, you'd be the queen who gets assassinated in the second act just because she's too pretty and too powerful."
