The air seemed to tighten around them. Maya’s stomach dropped, and her hand instinctively found Damien’s, squeezing it. Her pulse quickened, a flutter of nerves that refused to settle.
Damien’s jaw tightened imperceptibly, his gaze flicking toward the vehicle with a mixture of anticipation and caution, the calm he usually wore now edged with alertness.
No one else seemed to notice—except Harper. Standing beside Maya, her posture stiffened, shoulders subtly tightening as her eyes darted around, searching for a spot where she could disappear.
The driver stepped out, moving with precise, fluid motions to open the rear door. A woman emerged, each step measured, deliberate, yet effortless. She exuded authority without aggression, elegance without artifice. Her face was gentle, warm, and kind
