Chapter 131

Maya’s POV

Thomas and I arrived at Elias’s mansion in the late afternoon, the sun beginning its slow descent behind the tall hedges that lined the driveway. As soon as we stepped out of the car, Thomas gave me a reassuring nod and led the way up the grand marble staircase. We moved swiftly and silently through the foyer, past portraits of stern-faced ancestors, and up the wide corridor to Elias’s study. The heavy oak door stood slightly ajar, and we slipped inside.

Standing beside the large mahogany desk was Adrian. The moment he saw me, his usually reserved expression softened, and a warm smile broke across his face. I could feel his eyes light up as they took in my presence. Though he held himself back, I sensed the strong impulse behind his gaze—he wanted to rush forward and embrace me, yet he paused, careful not to create a scene. His eyes traced the lines of my form, and t