The hotel corridor remained wrapped in dim golden silence afterward while expensive crystal chandeliers cast soft light across polished marble floors and dark wooden walls, and despite the luxurious beauty surrounding the private executive level there lingered something poisonous beneath the quiet tonight like perfume hiding blood beneath sweetness.
Valeria Cruz stood alone near the tall corridor windows afterward while one trembling hand tightened hard around a glass of untouched whiskey now, and beyond the rain-streaked skyline of San Diego distant city lights blurred beneath fog and moonlight while jealousy twisted slowly through her chest sharp enough almost making breathing difficult.
She had watched Alexander leave earlier.
Again.
Always for her now.
Elara.
The silver-eyed girl destroying years of loyalty without even trying.
Valeria laughed bitterly under her breath afterward while pressing fingers against her temple now beneath the warm hotel lighting.
