Rose’s POV

Victor was seated at his desk, facing away from the door. The soft glow of the desk lamp threw shadows across his face, giving him an elusive, inscrutable appearance. He ignored me when I walked in, which only intensified the tension in my stomach.

“Victor,” I stated, my tone calms yet assertive. "We need to have a conversation."

At first, he didn't look back, but I could hear him slowly taking a breath. He appeared unstartled by my arrival, yet he also seemed reluctant ...