She leaned against the wall, breathing shallowly.
This was pointless.
With trembling fingers, she retrieved her communication stone and called him instead.
He answered quickly.
“Yes, Adriana?” His tone was calm—neutral, almost casual.
For a second, she wondered if he truly didn’t remember.
If the promise had meant so little.
She swallowed, pride burning in her throat.
“You told me earlier you’d come for me after your shift,” she said softly. “I’m still here.”
There was silence on the other end of the line.
For several long seconds, all Adriana could hear was faint breathing.
When Nathanie finally spoke again, his voice carried an edge of discomfort. “Adriana… I’m sorry. Something urgent came up at the manor, so I left earlier. Stay where you are. I’ll come back and get you.”
As he spoke, she could hear movement in the background—plates clinking, chairs scraping lightly against the floor.
Then Olivia’s bright, lively voice drifted clearly through the stone.
“Nathanie! Dinner’s almost done. Where are you heading?”
Adriana closed her eyes briefly and pressed her fingers against her temple. A thin, bitter smile curved her lips.