Lexi watched, expecting a staff member or perhaps Emma asking for coffee.
Instead, she heard the soft, weak voice of a woman.
“Julian…”
Lexi’s brows pulled together as she sat up in bed, the unfamiliar voice instantly sharpening her instincts.
Standing in the hallway, pale and clutching the doorway for support, was a stunning woman. Even in her disheveled state, her features were aristocratic—sharp cheekbones, chestnut hair twisted into a loose bun, and eyes filled with pain and exhaustion.
“Adriana?” Julian’s voice cracked in surprise.
Lexi froze.
Adriana. She’d heard the name before, mentioned in passing. Julian’s ex. The one who had walked away years ago and vanished overseas.
“I didn’t know where else to go,” Adriana said faintly. “I was in Italy. I got sick. There’s something…
