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The first group approaches within minutes.

Congratulations come easily.

Smiles.

Polished words.

Curiosity hidden behind courtesy.

“Mrs. Rusnak,” one of them says smoothly, his gaze lingering just a little too long. “A pleasure.”

I smile back just as smoothly.

“Valeria,” I correct gently.

His brow lifts.

A test.

I hold his gaze.

A response.

He inclines his head slightly. “Valeria.”

It continues like that.

One after another.

Names. Faces. Alliances I don’t fully understand yet—but I will.

I have to.

Every handshake feels like a negotiation.

Every question feels like a trap.

Where are you from?

How long will you be staying?

How did you and Timofey meet?

I answer carefully.

Never too much.

Never too little.

Balanced.

Controlled.

Timofey stays beside me the entire time.

Not hovering.

Not overbearing.