Clara's POV
Meanwhile.
I sat in the car outside Ethan's villa, staring at the darkened windows.
The night had been long. I'd spent hours at Julian Cross's side, smiling through endless toasts and tedious business talk, playing the perfect companion. When I'd finally dropped him off at his hotel, exhaustion had settled into my bones.
I should've gone straight home.
But Sophie had called earlier, her voice tight with worry. "He's hurt, Clara. He won't talk to anyone. He's just... sitting there."
I couldn't ignore that.
No matter what had happened between us, no matter how many times I told myself I was done waiting, done hoping—I still cared.
And now that I had connected with Julian, now that I had real power backing me... maybe things could be different.
Maybe w
