The sleek lines of Evelina's private jet sliced through the inky darkness, its powerful engines propelling them homeward with ruthless efficiency. Alden watched her from across the plush cabin, his brow furrowed with concern as she paced the length of the aisle, her movements restless and agitated.

"Talk to me, Evelina," he murmured, his voice cutting through the tense silence that had enveloped them since their hasty departure from the beach house.

She paused mid-stride, her eyes flickering towards him, their depths turbulent with a maelstrom of emotions. "It's a disaster, Alden," she breathed, her fingers raking through her tousled locks. "A complete and utter disaster."

Alden rose from his...