Ariel's heart pounded in her chest as Alpha Calvin's piercing gaze bore into her. She was at a loss for words, her mind racing to come up with a plausible explanation.

"He... he just left for work," Ariel stammered, hoping Alpha Calvin would buy her lie. She tried to keep her face neutral, her eyes betraying none of the fear that was threatening to consume her.

Alpha Calvin's gaze didn't waver. He studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Ariel held her breath, her eyes darting to the staircase where Xavier was hiding. She prayed that he would remain unseen.

Just then, she caught a glimpse of Xavier's silhouette...