The silence stretched longer, heavy with unspoken thoughts. The dim light above them cast a soft glow on their faces, outlining the sharp edges of suspicion and restraint.
Snow inhaled deeply, lowering her gaze to the floor before glancing back at the door that had been shut in her face. Inside, Adrian was being tended to, but she had no idea why the air around this house felt so suffocating, or why everyone acted as if her presence was poison… well deep down she knew it was.
Her fingers brushed the edge of her sleeve, her eyes watery with tears.
Derek watched her from the corner of his eye, his jaw set. He didn't trust her for a second, and deep down, he knew that letting her stay was a mistake. But for now, neither of them moved. The tension lingered in the air like the calm before a storm.
After a few minutes, Charles and the butler came out of the room. Charles bowed in greeting to Derek before heading outside the penthouse. Meanwhile, the butler also bowed to Derek.
