LORA'S POV

I stand in the foyer, watching as Octavia walks into mansion with a confident stride. But what catches my attention almost immediately is the towering figure behind her, a massive, muscular man, tall man dress in a black suit, with a stern expression on his face. He was clearly a new bodyguard of Octavia, like the two annoying ones and Martin weren't already enough obstacles to get to her.

"Ah, Octavia, you're back. Welcome back," I say with a smile as our eyes meet. My expression unreadable as I try sounding casual despite the unease growing within me.

Octavia smiles, but it doesn't quite reach her eyes. "Thank...