"A feisty cat got you, CEO Black?" Braiyden Simon’s voice sliced through the murmur of the lobby, smooth and mocking, as Orion stepped through the grand glass doors.
The sharpness that usually defined Orion was dulled today, his usual presence muted by exhaustion. His lips were swollen, the faint traces of fresh marks peeking above the collar of his perfectly tailored shirt. He ignored Braiyden’s taunt, but the damage was done—the entire lobby had already noticed.
Eyes darted, whispers spread like wildfire.
"His lips... They’re practically busted."
"He never comes in looking like this."
"Didn’t Miss Lucia just get back?"
Before the air could settle, the gossip ignited further with the arrival of Lucia Bentley. Her heels clicked on the marble floor, confident and precise. But as soon
