"Don't you want to explain yourself?" Zayn is asking again because Stella still hasn't spoken.
Stella, as she often does in the presence of unfamiliar faces, is overcome with a wave of timidity and anxiety. Her palms are slick with sweat, and her eyes flit nervously from one point to another, avoiding any direct contact with the Duke. She's on the verge of a panic attack, fearing she might collapse before she can utter a word.
Jeremy, who is also a childhood friend of hers, knows Stella's usual behavior in such situations and feels restless for her, even though she doesn't acknowledge him. Stella, on the other hand, is hesitant to ask for his help.
Stella's mind is a whirlwind of fear and desperation. She prays for the strength to quell the Duke's suspicions and protect Ariana's plan. With a trembling breath, she musters the courage to meet the Duke's gaze.
