The echo of the gunshot still rang in Elena’s ears long after the sound itself had faded.Her heart hammered violently against her ribs as Adrian shielded her body with his, his hand firm on the back of her head, pressing her down behind the heavy couch. The smell of gunpowder and cracked glass lingered faintly in the air, sharp and metallic.“Stay down,” Adrian murmured, voice low but steady. His body was tense, every muscle coiled.Outside, the estate guards shouted orders, the thunder of boots on marble echoing through the hall. A second later, the heavy curtains were drawn, darkening the room, while two guards pushed furniture toward the window.Elena swallowed hard, trying to steady her breathing. “Adrian… are you hurt?”He turned his head slightly, his silver eyes locking onto hers. “I’m fine. You?”“I’m okay,” she whispered, though her hands trembled.Richard Blackwell, calm even in chaos, stood up slowly, dusting glass shards from his sleeve. His face was pale but eerily compo
Last Updated : 2025-10-31 Read more