Elena’s POV

Outside the hotel, the cold winter air wrapped around us the moment the car stopped.

Sang Li stepped out first.

He straightened his coat and then turned back toward the open car door, extending his hand toward me.

I was still seated inside.

The gesture caught me slightly off guard.

I shifted awkwardly in my seat and gripped the leather edge of the car.

“I can get out myself.”

But Sang Li didn’t lower his hand.

He simply looked at me, calm and patient.

“Did you ...