It lasted only a second.
“I didn’t know she could hear.”
“You leaned toward us.”
“I was speaking to you.”
“She was holding my hand.”
Bianca’s lips parted, but no answer came.
Mila tugged at my sleeve again.
“Mommy, I’m thirsty.”
The request brought me back to what mattered.
I looked across the lobby and saw a small lounge near the coat-check area. Beyond it stood a woman I recognized from photographs: Priya Nair, the company’s general counsel. She had attended our home once for dinner, though Adrian had spent most of that evening checking emails under the table.
Priya was watching us.
When our eyes met, she crossed the lobby quickly.
“Elena.”
“Priya.”
She greeted Mila first, bending slightly so they were at eye level.
“Hello, Mila. I like your necklace.”
“It’s for Daddy,” Mila said.
Priya’s expression softened, then tightened with something that looked like regret.
