POV: Elena
For a moment, I simply stared at the bedroom door.
Richard's voice was calm, almost casual, but it immediately put me on edge. Jace had told me to lock the door and wait for him. Instead, his father was standing outside my room asking me to come downstairs.
I hesitated before unlocking the door.
Richard stood in the hallway with both hands tucked into the pockets of his tailored trousers. Even at this late hour, he looked perfectly composed, as though expensive suits were simply another layer of skin. His expression revealed nothing.
"I hope I didn't startle you," he said. "You did." A faint smile crossed his face. "I suppose that's fair." He turned without another word, clearly expecting me to follow. Curiosity got the better of me.
When we reached the study, he closed th
