Elise hesitated before speaking, fully aware that asking to leave the mansion would tip the fragile balance she and Alejandro had managed to establish. Still, she wanted to do it. Meeting Lena was important.

Alejandro, who had just finished fastening the cuff of his sleeve, stilled. Before Elise woke up, he had already freshened up and dressed, knowing he had to be at the company’s building. His gaze moved toward her, blank.

“You want to leave the mansion. Is there a problem?”

Elise shook her head. “No.”

“Where do you want to go to?”

Alejandro had not outrightly refused, but it was as if Elise was expecting him to. Informing...