Mara's POV

I was halfway down the corridor toward my office when Richard stepped into my path, files tucked neatly against his chest.

“Mrs. Lawson,” he said politely, slowing his pace to match mine. “I have a few documents that require your signature.”

“Alright,” I replied with a nod. “Bring them in.”

My office felt unusually quiet when I stepped inside. The glass wall reflected the rest of the floor, and instinctively, my gaze shifted to Elias’s office.

Empty.

He wasn’t there.

I sat behind my desk, smoothing my gown as Richard entered and laid the files out carefully in front of me. He hesitated, then followed my line of...