Chapter 69

Elvira POV

The birthday gala had ended, but the night lingered. The halls outstretching from the ballroom were quieter now, humming only with the occasional footsteps of staff and the distant creak of doors closing. Lights flickered across the walls as I walked through them slowly, trying to unspool the chaos in my head.

Each truth carved its own wound. I made my way to my room in silence, but even as I reached the door to my room, Jaxon was already there.

Leaning against the frame, coat discarded, shirt slightly rumpled, the top buttons undone. His tie was gone, and his usually-perfect hair had fallen slightly over his brow. He looked tired. His eyes found mine instantly.

“You’ve been avoiding me,” he said quietly.

I didn’t answer right away. “It’s late.”