Chapter 46

Liana’s POV

“Liana.”

I was already halfway down the hallway, trying to breathe and failing miserably, my hands shaking as they attempted to wipe away the tears that just wouldn’t stop falling from my eyes, when I heard someone call out my name, and I froze, not out of recognition, but because I honestly didn’t expect anyone to even notice me in that moment, let alone speak to me.

I turned, slowly, reluctantly, and when I saw the man standing there, a stranger with dark eyes and a firm jaw, dressed like someone who knew money and wore power like a second skin, I had to blink twice to be sure he was talking to me.

He took a careful step closer, his tone calm but unmistakably concerned. “Hey. Are you okay?”

I shook my head without thinking, biting my lip hard to stop the next wave of tears from bursting out.

He sighed. “Didn’t think so. Don’t say you are.”

“I’m fine,” I lied, voice low and cracked. “It’s just… I needed some air.”