As soon as the electrifying eye contact broke, Vishakha turned her attention back to Shivaay, who was already stepping closer, his expression unreadable. Without another glance in Akshay’s direction, she moved forward, seamlessly falling in step with Shivaay as they entered the ballroom.

Lisa followed behind them, a silent shadow in a sleek black dress that clung to her form like a second skin. The dim lighting of the hall made her porcelain skin glow, her presence sharp and striking in contrast to Vishakha’s fiery aura.