Elena’s POV

I walked out of the lounge with a heaviness in my chest that refused to ease, as though the chaos of the wedding had not ended but merely shifted into a quieter, more suffocating form. The corridor outside was almost empty, the distant sound of guests murmuring blending with the low hum of hotel staff trying desperately to restore order.

Before I could steady myself, I heard Matthews’ voice not far away.

“Third brother, you took too much of a risk!” His tone carried ...