“I need to use the bathroom.” Hadley placed her napkin on the table and rose from her chair. She turned toward Zane with an inquiring look. “Zane, could you point me toward the bathroom?”

“Allow me to escort you there.”

Zane stood without hesitation, already moving toward her. “With so many guests here tonight, the facilities on this floor are likely occupied and might prove inconvenient. I’ll guide you upstairs to use the one in Colleen’s room instead.”

“That sounds good.”

“Let’s go, then.”

Elissa remained behind, her attention absorbed by her phone as she exchanged messages with Ernest about matters known only to them.

Zane guided Hadley to Colleen’s room and positioned himself as a patient sentinel outside the closed door.

From Hadley’s viewpoint, despite Zane’s subtle revelation of his romantic interest, the dynamics between them had remained unchanged. His behavior continued to mirror their previous interactions, which brought her considerable relief and comfort.

Upon completing her business, she emerged to find Zane still standing guard. His phone buzzed insistently in his hand, the ringtone cutting through the quiet hallway. Yet he made no move to accept the call.

The scene transported her back to their dinner together, when he had exhibited identical behavior.

“Zane.” Hadley’s voice broke through his concentration.

“Hmm?” Zane quickly tucked his phone away and pivoted to meet her gaze.

“Finished? Shall we make our way back downstairs?”

“Yes, let’s head back.”

Fresh chapters just uploaded g?lnσν?s?c?m

Hadley studied his features carefully. That familiar tension had returned to cloud his face once more. She found herself speculating whether his former wife might be the source of his obvious distress.

Just as they approached the top of the staircase, his phone vibrated with renewed urgency. The distinctive chime announced an incoming text message.

Zane retrieved the device and scanned the display. His previous agitation transformed instantly into something far more alarming. The name escaped his lips in a breathless whisper. “Vivian!”

Vivian? Recognition sparked in Hadley’s memory. He had mentioned that name before—his beloved daughter.

“Hadley…” Zane’s brow creased with internal conflict, apology written across every line of his face. “Would you mind if I—”

The words died on his tongue as he shook his head in frustration. “Let me escort you back to the others first.”

“Wait just a moment…” Hadley’s hand shot out to halt his movement. “Vivian is your daughter, isn’t she? Has something happened to her?”

Zane paused, wrestling with his response before offering a tense nod. “Yes… Lyla, Vivian’s mother, just sent this message. She’s telling me that Vivian has fallen ill.”

“Then what are you doing standing here?” The words burst from Hadley’s lips without filter. “You need to go to her immediately!”

.

.

.