“Elodie?” Dad raised an eyebrow as he opened the door. Clad in a silky robe and comfy slippers, he looked like he’d just strolled out of the spa instead of the bathroom.
“Hey, Dad,” I greeted awkwardly, shifting on my feet. “Uh… I need to talk to you about something. It’s kind of important.”
“I don’t even have to guess. Valerian, right?” He confidently "guessed. I just stared, and he nodded like he’d solved a world crisis. “Alright, come inside. Take a seat.” He stepped aside, gesturing me into his hotel room.
My watch told me it was just a few minutes left to five in the afternoon. Time ticks like a countdown. Valerian had said he’d wait, but I wasn’t sure how long his patience would hold out.
“I’d offer you a drink, but I don’t think you’re here for small talk,” Dad said, settling in
