Chapter 243

• Christmas Eve hung in the chilly air of the city, and although Nadine had no desire to attend the family dinner, she forced herself to dress carefully. She knew she couldn't afford to offend Anton's parents, especially when they were the special guests of her own parents, at an event that her mother had organized with so much care and dedication.
• After minutes of indecision in front of her closet, she finally chose a red dress with long sleeves, elegant yet discreet, that fell just above her knees. The soft fabric caressed her skin, and although she wasn't in a festive mood, she knew that the garment exuded the sophisticated air that the situation required. She paired it with tall black boots with thin heels, as black as the night, which further accentuated her figure and gave her that touch of power that she liked to project.
• Determined not to let her appearance reveal the apathy she felt inside, she let her hair fall straight down her back, her chestnut mane contrasting perfectly with the fiery tone of the dress. She took her time to apply makeup, especially highlighting her lips with an intense crimson shade that enhanced her gaze and gave her an air of impenetrable sensuality.