Chapter 73

• Victor's arms enveloped Ivy, pulling her close as the door closed behind the Smith brothers. The sound of their departure faded into the silence, leaving only the soft hum of the city outside.
• Ivy's eyes searched his, her gaze piercing the mask he wore. Her fingers traced the lines of his face, seeking the truth beneath.
• "What happened?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Her breath danced across his skin, sending shivers down his spine.