Chapter 52

Elias’s POV

“Why have I never heard about a partnership with Hart?” I asked, my voice tight with confusion. “Six years ago, I was living with the Brooks, and Adrian and I were engaged.”

“We never made it public,” she explained quietly. “Whenever Hart and Brooks collaborated on a project, only one name ever took the credit—the one who proposed it. It kept things competitive, and honestly, it worked better that way.”

I ran a hand through my hair, trying to process this new information. “Okay. This is a lot to take in. I always thought you and Hart were just rivals.”

“We are rivals,” she said firmly, her eyes locking onto mine. “And that will never change.”

She sighed, her gaze dropping to the floor in shock. I’d known this would surprise her; I’d even toyed with the idea of waiting unt