The quiet of the room was suddenly shattered by the sound of rapid footsteps echoing down the corridor. Jessica shot up, her heart pounding, as Natasha and Sierra exchanged tense glances. The door burst open, and Alexander strode in, his sharp gaze immediately scanning the room.
“Nat,” he barked, his voice low but edged with urgency, “you shouldn’t be here. I told you to stay in the west wing.”
Natasha stood, her hand protectively over her stomach, her face a mix of defiance and worry. “I’m not a prisoner, Alexander. Jess needed us.”
Alexander’s jaw tightened, but before he could respond, Armando appeared in the doorway, his expression thunderous. His dark eyes locked onto Jessica. “What is this?” he growled, his voice deadly calm. “I gave orders for you to stay put.”
Jessica r
