. . . AUTHOR’S POV Adeline sat on the plush velvet couch, her legs crossed at the knee, fingers drumming rhythmically against her thigh. The dim glow of the overhead chandelier cast long, eerie shadows across the sleek black marble floors, the soft hum of the city beyond the tall windows the only sound in the silence between them. Across from her, Charles leaned back in his chair, one arm draped lazily over the armrest, a glass of whiskey in his other hand. He swirled the amber liquid absently, his sharp gaze never leaving her face. “Tell me, Adeline,” he began, his voice smooth, measured, dripping with mock curiosity. “Why are you still with Luciano, knowing everything that’s happening?” Adeline exhaled, shifting slightly in her seat, before rolling her eyes in pure exasperation. “Charles,” she said, voice edged with irritation. “Enough.” Charles raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her response, but she wasn’t finished. “I know,” she continued, her v
Last Updated : 2025-05-01 Read more