Author’s POV

Ava sat alone in the vast bedroom, her back sinking into the plush chair as silence stretched around her. Dinner had been served, or so the maid had announced when she knocked earlier to summon her.

She’d been left to herself—abandoned after that intense confrontation with Orion, which had nearly ended with him under her dress again. This time, however, she’d resisted. She wouldn’t let herself fall into his trap.

When Ava asked where the food was, the maid had answered nervously: “Mr. Orion asked to have the plates prepared downstairs... with the others.”

The others? Ava’s brow had furrowed in confusion. “Which others?” she’d demanded, her tone...