Ella's POV.

His eyes locked onto mine, and a slow, triumphant smile spread across his face. He shook his head in a mocking disappointment, clicking his tongue against his teeth.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk.”

“Rhaella,” he said at last, his voice dripping with fake pity. “And Professor Wilson? Really?”

He gave a quiet laugh.

“You know, when my men told me they'd tracked you here, I thought it was a joke. I thought, No, the smarty-pants Ella wouldn’t be stupid enough to walk into a trap this obvious.”

His smile widened. “But then again, I get it. You were desperate.”

A low laugh rumbled from his chest, not loud, but just...