The voices downstairs grew louder as Evelyn and Lena made their way down the staircase. A security guard stood at the entrance with one arm raised, trying to block the man before him. Another lingered behind him, looking completely at a loss.

Standing in the middle of the commotion was Roman. His coat was wrinkled, his usually immaculate hair was in disarray, and the exhaustion on his face was impossible to ignore. Dark shadows rested beneath his eyes, making him look as though he hadn’t slept in days.

Evelyn slowed to a stop. “Roman?” The moment he heard her voice, he brushed past the security guard without another glance and...