CHAPTER 43
ELLE – P.O.V
The hallway felt heavy when I walked in, like the air itself was waiting for a fight. My shoes clicked softly on the marble floor. I could hear the faint hum of the air conditioner and Pat bustling somewhere in the kitchen.
“Welcome, Miss Elle,” Pat said softly from the corner of the hallway. Her voice was hesitant, like she was testing my mood.
“Thanks, Pat. You can relax.” I forced a smile, but my voice cracked under the weight of exhaustion.
“I’ll heat up your food,” she offered.
“Thanks, but I’ve already eaten,” I replied, my tone flat. “How are the kids?”
“They’re fine,” she said quickly.
“Were you able to get them to sleep?”
Pat’s eyes flickered, and she hesitated. “No, ma’am. We tried, but they wouldn’t sleep. Sir Lucas finally put them to bed himsel
