Lucian stepped out of the meeting hall, his footsteps echoing softly against the marbled floor as the heavy double doors closed behind him with a gentle thud.
For the first time in weeks, there was something light in his chest, something like satisfaction. A meeting that hadn't ended in tension or unresolved arguments.
Ever since Serena had fallen unconscious, every encounter, every negotiation, every damn discussion had felt like dragging a boulder uphill. But not today. Today, he'd managed to strike a good deal. Not just any deal, but one that promised real benefit and most importantly, an ally. One that could make all the difference in the days to come. And yet…
The moment he spotted Adrian waiting by the sleek black car just outside the hall, the small flicker of relief he felt dimmed again. The success of the meeting couldn't outweigh the heaviness that had taken permanent residence in his chest these past sixteen days.
