The night air was cold against the glass windows of Nicole's suite.
The lights of the city flickered below, soft and distant, while she stood by the balcony with a drink in her hand.
She looked tense like someone carrying too many secrets.
Liam leaned against the doorframe, watching her. "You're quiet," he said.
Nicole turned to face him.
"You said you'd handle it yesterday," she snapped. "You promised me Grace would be gone."
Liam sighed. "I tried," he said, his voice low. "I had everything planned. But he showed up again."
"Donald?" she asked sharply.
He nodded.
"Yeah. He came out of nowhere. The moment I was about to grab her, he appeared. I couldn't risk it. Not with him there."
Nicole's grip tightened around her glass.
"He's always there," she said bitterly. "Always saving her, always protecting her like she's some fragile doll. What does he even see in that plain, pitiful girl?"
Liam walked closer, placing a hand on her shoulder.
