The night had been nothing short of dazzling, but as the car cruised through the city streets on their way back to the villa, Alina’s thoughts were in turmoil. Victoria’s appearance at the gala, her pointed words, and Adrian’s reaction all replayed in her mind like a riddle she couldn’t solve.
Adrian, seated beside her in the back seat, had fallen silent. His usual composure was intact, but Alina noticed the subtle tension in his jaw and the way his fingers tapped against his knee—a rare sign of agitation.
“Adrian?” she ventured, her voice breaking the silence.
He glanced at her, his gray eyes softening slightly. “Yes?”
“Who is Victoria to you?”
He leaned back, exhaling deeply. For a moment, she thought he might brush her off, but then he said, “She was someone I used to trust. A long
