Emerald turned toward the door without another word. Her pulse was still racing, her skin still humming with fury. She didn't want to be here a second longer. Not in this room, not even a mile near him.
The silence that followed felt too loud. A thick, tense void pressing at her back.
But before she could take a step, Rick's voice cut through the air. "Wait!" He didn't sound playful, nor did he have a mocking tone in his voice. He just seemed… tired.
Emerald froze.
Her fingers hovered just above the doorknob. She didn't turn around.
Behind her, Rick let out a deep breath, like whatever held him upright had finally cracked.
He dragged a hand through his messy hair. "You've said a lot. Accused even more. But you haven't actually said anything real."
That made her glance back.
His posture was no longer defensive but rather guarded and cautious. "Do you have any proof?" he asked in a low voice. "Any actual evidence tying Alia to this accusation?"
