Elena's POV
My phone buzzed the moment I stepped into the Grand Scarlet Hotel.
I grabbed it, praying it wasn't Dorian.
Thank God—unknown number.
"Hello?"
"Hello, slut." Janelle's voice hit me like ice water.
I rolled my eyes hard. "What do you want?"
"You're a liar, Elena," Janelle hissed. "I thought Imperial Media changed you."
I let out a tired breath. "Get to the point, Janelle."
"Why spread lies about Marcus attacking you?"
My eyebrow shot up, though she couldn't see it. "So you know the truth and you're still defending him?"
"You're lying!" Janelle's voice cracked with rage. "Marcus would never touch trash like you, you worthless—"
I'd heard enough. "Goodbye, Janelle," I said flatly and hung up.
My hands shook as I walked toward my room. The entire cab ride, I'd forced myself not to think about that breakfast disaster with Dorian.
"Let's keep it that way," I mumbled, knocking.
Juniper opened the door within seconds. "You're back early?"
