Chapter 18

• I made it back to the loft without stopping, each step ringing quietly against the polished floor like an echo of the heartbeat pulsing at the base of my throat. The hallway was still. Inside, Simone stood near the drafting table, eyes sharp, posture alert. Marcus sat with his laptop open in front of him, the screen casting a faint glow on his face. Julian stepped out from the pattern room, his sleeves rolled up, his shirt slightly wrinkled from another long day that had not yet ended.
• They all looked up when I entered. I was still carrying the weight of the boardroom, still hearing Roman’s voice in my ears. The door closed behind me, clicking softly. The sound felt final.
• Julian was the first to break the silence.