Evander's POV
The moment Elena hit the floor, kneeling, pinned by my guards, the entire mansion froze.
The workers.
The guards stationed near the pillars.
The maids carrying trays.
Even Mara, who still had her arms half-extended like she wasn't sure whether to shield Odette or hide behind her.
All of them stared—wide-eyed, stunned.
Because nobody… nobody ever touched Elena.
Not even by accident.
She'd always walked around like she owned the place. Like my world revolved around her.
But here she was, pushed to her knees like a criminal, arms wrenched behind her back.
And I was the one who ordered it.
The silence felt thick—too thick.
Like the mansion itself was holding its breath.
