Chapter 188

ELORA’S POV The moment the meeting ended, I stood. My chair scraped loudly against the floor, the sound sharp enough to slice through the stunned silence in the room. I didn’t look at anyone as I walked out, my heels striking the marble floor with purpose. Aiden followed closely behind me, his presence steady at my back like a shadow I didn’t need to turn around to see. “Elora, where's Lucian?” Maya’s voice echoed down the hallway. I didn’t stop. I pushed open the door to Lucian's office and walked straight in. She followed. “I’m talking to you, you whore!” That did it. I turned slowly, deliberately, every muscle in my body tight. My heartbeat was loud in my ears, but my face felt strangely calm. “Aiden,” I said without looking at him. “Excuse us for a minute.” “Elora, I can’t…” I forced a weak smile. “Just for a few minutes.” He hesitated. I felt his gaze flick to Maya, then back to me. Finally, he nodded and stepped outside, closing the door behind him. The click of the door echoed i