Chapter 168. Quick Visit

Elona's POV

The studio had emptied surprisingly quickly. Only the distant sound of hairdryers and voices carried faintly through the hallways now. Stylists were packing away equipment, assistants wheeled garment racks towards storage, and somewhere nearby, someone laughed loudly enough for it to echo through the otherwise quiet floor.

I adjusted the strap of my gym bag over my shoulder before reaching down to pick up my water bottle.

“Elona.” I looked up. Madame stood near the doorway to her office, one hand resting against the glass frame. “I need a moment.”

My stomach tightened instinctively. “Of course.” I followed her into her office. She closed the door behind us.

“You may sit.” I lowered myself into one of the chairs opposite her desk.

She remain