The words fell into the room so suddenly that even Jade froze.
Ryley did not look at him when he said it.
His bloodshot eyes stayed fixed entirely on Clyde, meeting the Alpha's stunned gaze without wavering.
For the first time since Jade entered, the silence felt sharp enough to cut.
Jade pressed his lips together. He did not ask questions. Did not dare.
With a quick bow, he stepped back at once, choosing not to remain anywhere near whatever storm was about to break between them.
When Jade returned to the mansion, the atmosphere felt nothing like home.
Staff moved in and out carrying trays, cloths, and sealed evidence bags, while guards stood stationed near the doorway and windows, speaking in low voices as they searched every corner of the room where the attack had happened.
Near the entrance stood Vincent, arms crossed over his chest, his sharp gaze fixed on the scene with the kind of focus that made the entire corridor feel tense.
