The aftermath of Michael and Darius confrontation lingered in the corridors like smoke— acrid, clinging to every breath.
“I’m sorry about this, Elaine. I didn’t know he would do this.” Kathy’s voice was small, trembling at the edges, as though it might crack if she spoke any louder. Her eyes darted once toward the direction Michael had vanished before she followed him toward the guest suite, torn between duty, fear, and a grief she didn’t yet have words for.
Elaine exhaled slowly, trying to steady the storm inside her chest.
“I can’t believe he did this,” Roselyn muttered, pacing in tight, angry strides. The soft lanterns lining the hall flickered with her movement, shadows rippling around her like restless spirits. “I knew he was planning something after the way he reacted when you lef
