The girl burst into uncontrolled laughter, completely abandoning any pretense of composure as she approached Elana.
Under the bewildered stares of every guest, she casually linked her arm through Elana's.
Elana's smile radiated genuine warmth, making no attempt to distance herself from the unexpected contact.
While Jill watched in complete shock, the girl's voice carried clear amusement. "So you're suggesting that after dedicating two months to organizing my birthday celebration, I'd willingly sabotage everything, accept bribes, provide false statements, and destroy Elana's gift—all to set you up?"
Jill's voice cracked with disbelief. "Who exactly are you?"
Elana's expression turned serious, her eyes shining with unmistakable fondness. "Everyone, meet Kathy."
The revelation hit the crowd like a thunderbolt. Nobody had anticipated that Kathy, who'd remained virtually invisible during the entire event, would emerge as the evening's main attraction.
