CHAPTER NINETEEN - A FRIEND’S BETRAYAL

As the guests began to filter back into the ballroom, she forced herself to stand tall, her expression neutral. Her father took his place at the podium, clearing his throat to gather everyone's attention. "If I may have your attention, please," he began, his voice warm and measured. "It is with great joy that I welcome you all here tonight, to celebrate the union of our two families." Karina listened as her father continued, his words painting a picture of a harmonious merger, a joining of not just two people, but two legacies. She could feel the Hogans' eyes on her, their scrutiny palpable. When her father finished, a round of polite applause filled the room. Mrs. Hogan stepped forward, her expression unreadable. "That was a lovely speech, Mr. Gomez," she said, her tone carefully neutral. "However, I must say, I was hoping to hear a bit more about the exciting future that awaits our two families, rather than dwelling on the past." Karina's father blinked, momentarily taken aback