46 Shadows and Secrets

The room was abuzz, but none of the key figures reacted, leaving the onlookers hesitant to probe further. However, it wasn’t long before some noticed Michael's intense focus on the woman beside him, Lily. This sparked a wave of whispered speculations about her identity. Lily, feeling Michael's persistent gaze, looked up, irritation evident in her eyes. "Why stare at me? Am I eating too much, disrupting your discussions?" Having satisfied her hunger, Lily felt even less inclined to tolerate Michael's scrutiny. She rose to leave, drawing the room's attention. "Enjoy your conversation; I'm leaving." As she moved to exit, Michael reached out, grabbing her hand. The crowd watched, curious about the nature of their relationship. Lily's expression hardened, a hint of anger in her eyes. "I don't wish to see him or you. Let me go!" She pulled her hand away forcefully and exited, slamming the door with a resounding thud. Her departure seemed to echo her deep-seated discon