Lopez panicked, scared that she had been caught. The fear of Adrian’s reaction in connection with the emotional turbulence she had just faced caught up with and dominated her. Her breathing ceased.

“What are you…”

Before Adrian could finish the statement, Lopez burst into tears, and she started struggling with her breathing. She stooped very low, close to the door, holding the floor for support.

Adrian's concern immediately shifted from confusion to alarm as he saw Lopez's distress. Without a moment's hesitation, he rushed forward and gently took her trembling hands in his, stooping to her level on the floor.

"Lopez, what's wrong? What happened?" His voice was filled with...