The secondary living room was just a few rooms away from the main hall but it was a world away from the bling and decor of the charity event.

Elise stood near the window, the cool glass pressing against her fingertips as she stared out mindlessly at the estate’s sprawling lawn.

Alejandro paced behind her, his footsteps muffled by the thick rug. He took off his tuxedo jacket, tossed it over a chair, and hung his tie loose around his neck. “You didn’t have to hear that,” he said, his voice rough but much quiet like he was trying to pull himself back. “ I don’t know what she was...