Because over the past few days, he had started paying attention to her.
The change was immediate.
The small smile disappeared.
The curiosity vanished.
The warmth that had lingered in her eyes moments ago faded completely.
Until all that remained was the cold composure Elena Vaughn wore like armor.
A faint crease appeared between Alaric's brows.
"Everything alright?"
Elena looked up.
For a moment, she almost seemed surprised by the question.
Then she offered him a polite smile.
One that felt practiced.
Distant.
"I need to take this."
Before he could say anything else, she was already standing.
The phone remained pressed tightly in her hand as she walked away.
Toward the far side of the penthouse.
Toward privacy.
Toward whatever had suddenly erased her good mood.
Alaric watched her leave.
The conversation they'd been having moments ago already felt strangely distant.
He couldn't see the caller's name.
Couldn't hear the voice on the other end.
Yet somehow...
