The voice from outside the door shattered the moment like glass.
Mika's hands immediately released her.
He stepped back, his expression shifting to something neutral, professional, as if nothing had happened.
Nadia, on the other hand, was still reeling.
Her chest heaved. Her face burned. Her thoughts were scattered fragments that refused to form anything coherent.
She stood frozen in the middle of the room, her hands clenched at her sides, her body still tingling where his hands had been.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Lady Nadia? Is everything alright? Should I bring everyone in so that you can talk in private?"
The door handle began to turn.
That was enough to snap her back to reality. She drew a sharp breath, forced her voice into something resembling calm.
"No! No, it's fine. I'll be right there."
She moved quickly, crossing the room and pulling the door open before the staff member could enter.
