Isabelle's POV
As we entered, every eye turned toward us. Conversations dipped into a curious silence, a ripple of awareness spreading through the room.
Evelyn's smile was razor-sharp as she guided me forward, her hand resting lightly on my arm as if I were an ornament she was proud to display.
"Everyone," she began, her voice smooth as silk, "allow me to introduce Isabelle. My daughter in law"
There was a pause, as everyone gasped in shock. Oh great, this is going to be good.
"How??" One of them asked.
I felt the weight of their gazes, a dozen pairs of eyes examining, judging, calculating. My spine straightened, my chin lifting slightly as I met their stares head-on.
"You never mentioned your son was married. We would have been aware…"
"We just wanted to keep it simple,"
"Of course, Ma'am, you are so modest," one of the women purred,
