The moment stretched like glass about to shatter.
Stephanie sat frozen at her table three tables away, her face drained of all color, her hands trembling visibly. Benjamin had gone equally pale, his phone forgotten in his hand, his expression cycling through shock, disbelief, and dawning horror.
Emily didn't move. Didn't blink. Just held Stephanie's terrified gaze with cold, unforgiving eyes.
She saw the exact moment recognition truly hit Stephanie. Saw her stepsister's mind racing through impossible calculations: Emily Smith. Weak, pathetic Emily Smith. Is PRINCESS EMILY. Has DNA evidence. International recognition. Power. Resources. And she's HERE. She's BACK.
"Oh my god," Chai breathed beside Emily, watching the drama unfold. "She looks like she's about to pass out. Emily, what do you want to do? Do we go over there? Do we make them come to us? Do we..."
