The mansion settled into its evening rhythm under the returning downpour. Victoria had retired early to her room with a headache from the long workday, leaving the lower floors quiet except for the steady drum of rain against the windows. Elena had spent the afternoon in careful normalcy—helping with minor chores, answering emails, avoiding being alone with Marcus after the charged breakfast encounter. But the jealousy he’d unleashed simmered between them all day, unspoken yet palpable in every loaded glance across rooms.

Night fell, and the pull became irresistible.

Elena was in her bedroom, standing at the window in a thin tank top and panties, watching the rain streak the...