The hotel corridors seemed quieter after Liam’s exit, though the silence didn’t ease Elena’s nerves. Whispers still followed her, staff sneaking glances as though she carried a secret too heavy for her own shoulders.
Elena stayed seated on the bench until her heartbeat slowed. She forced herself to breathe evenly, to smooth her uniform, to push Liam’s venom out of her mind. She had no choice but to keep working.
But somewhere else in the building, another conversation had already begun.
The top floor of the hotel wasn’t open to staff. Only managers and VIP guests had access to those polished corridors, where every light gleamed and not a speck of dust dared to exist. Behind one wide oak door, Mr. Clerk stood with his back straight, though his palms were slightly damp.
Across from him
