Elena’s heart was pounding so hard she was certain both men could hear it. Patrick’s question hung in the air like a trap waiting to snap shut. She knew she had to answer. Anything. Even the smallest hesitation could expose them. But her mind had gone completely blank. Every answer she had rehearsed suddenly vanished.
Patrick sat quietly, watching her and waiting for her answer.
Alexander remained silent beside her.
Then, before she could stop herself, the words slipped out.
“Alexander hates talking about his mother.”
The moment she said it, panic flooded her chest. What had she just done?
The room fell completely silent.
Elena slowly looked from Patrick to Alexander. Neither man spoke. Her pulse raced. Had she ruined everything? Had she touched a subject she wasn’t supposed to ment
