Elle's Pov
New York right now is a nightmare of gray slush and wind that feels like it's trying to peel my skin off. As I step out of the car, the city is louder than I remember.
I've got a massive checklist: check on the foundation, sign the expansion papers, meet this mystery donor, and somehow find my sister before someone dies.
But honestly? First, I just need a coffee and a hug from my best friend.
I haul my suitcase up the stairs, my breath hitching in the cold air while my fingers still tingled from the residual energy of Nana's chambers. I bypassed my office, deciding the paperwork could wait an hour. I intend to surprise Camila at the café later, but I figured I'd drop my bags first and shed the weight of the road.
I swipe my keycard and push the door to our apartment open. "Finally!" I call out, ready to collapse.
But the words die right in my throat. Our living room looks like a glitter bomb went off. A huge cardboard sign is leaning against the sofa:
