Chapter 9: The Ring

Elena's POV

We spent hours at Michael's office, going through documents and security footage, piecing together a timeline of Miguel's last days. By the time we left, it was nearly evening, and my head was pounding from information overload and too much coffee.

"We should go back to my place," Adrien said as we walked to the rental car. "Regroup, figure out our next move. Michael said he would call if he found anything else."

The drive to Adrien's penthouse was quiet. I stared out the window, watching the city lights blur past, and tried not to think about what going to his place meant.

"The guest room is," Adrien started.

"I remember where it is," I said quietly.

"I'll order dinner. Any preferences?"

"Whatever you want is fine."

We moved around each other carefully, maintaining distance, both of us hyperaware of the intimacy of being alone in his home. Our home, once upon a time.

I excused myself to the bathroom, needing a moment to breathe. The guest bathroom was one of the few rooms