"I'm so happy you're here, Elena," Nikita forced a smile, though a flicker of displeasure passed through her eyes. Derek, seemingly oblivious to the undercurrents, steered the conversation.
"Let's go inside. Elena, you've been standing for a long time," Derek urged, his attention solely on his wife.
While Nikita projected an air of hospitality, her internal monologue betrayed a different sentiment. "Why are they here? It's horrible. Why is it that she always gets the best one? I'm going to teach you, Elena, today's lesson."
As if on cue, Nikita's phone interrupted the tension-laden atmosphere. She excused herself with a step to the side, answering the call that seemed almost too conveniently timed.
