The room fell dead silent. Everyone stared at us with shocked expressions—some with mouths hanging open, others with eyes wide as saucers. Nathaniel's arm remained firmly around my waist, his touch both reassuring and terrifying.
"Wife?" Imogen finally stammered, her face draining of color. "That's... that's impossible."
Liam stepped forward, his expression thunderous. "Uncle Nathaniel, what is the meaning of this?"
"I don't believe I owe you any explanations," Nathaniel replied coolly, his voice carrying a dangerous edge that made Liam step back instinctively.
Professor Wright broke the tension, rising to his feet with a polite smile. "Mr. Ricardo, what an unexpected pleasure. Would you care to join us? We were just celebrating Dr. Bella's—I mean, Juliana's—achievements."
"I'd be delighted," Nathaniel said, though his tone suggested anything but delight.
