The apartment was quiet when they got home, the kind of quiet that only came after an emotionally full evening.

Serena slipped off her shoes and padded into the living room. Roman followed, loosening his tie, watching her like he was still processing the night.

“Well,” she said lightly, sinking onto the couch. “Your mother surprised me.”

He let out a short breath and sat beside her. “You noticed.”

“She wasn’t cold,” Serena said carefully. “Measured, yes, but not hostile.”

Roman nodded. “That’s new.”

Serena tilted her head, thinking. “She listens more than she speaks. It makes her intimidating.”

He chuckled softly. “That’s her. She studies people.”

“Do you think...