The morning after the gala was quiet, but the air buzzed with unspoken anticipation. I stood in the grand kitchen of Caden's estate, sipping a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The aroma of roasted beans mingled with the scent of cinnamon pastries Caden’s staff had prepared.
Despite the calm, my mind raced with thoughts of the night before. Kelly’s face was etched in my memory her carefully constructed mask slipping, revealing a flicker of fear.
Caden entered the kitchen, his presence commanding as always. Dressed in a crisp white shirt and black slacks, he looked like he’d stepped out of a billionaire magazine cover.
"Did you sleep well?" he asked, his voice rich and smooth.
I nodded, setting my cup down. "As well as I could. But I can’t stop thinking about what’s next. Kelly’s rattled, b
