Ryker
“This better be important, Avila,” I said coolly.
Avila’s lips curled into something between a smirk and a grimace. “It is...”
She paused halfway, her gaze dartinv to Nadine, her expression sharp. “I did bring important news but it's not meant for all ears.”
I gazed at Nadine, a chill spread through Nadine’s chest as she understood what the woman meant.
"Nadine," I said, turning my attention back to her, my tone neutral but firm. "Leave us."
Nadine held my gaze, a slow burn of defiance inside her.
She placed her fork down carefully, dabbing the corners of her lips with a yellow napkin as if she had actually eaten so much. Then, without another word, she rose, her chair scraping against the marble.
As she moved past Avila, Nadine clenched her fists and kept walking, forcing h
