CHAPTER 31 — THE NIGHT HE FINALLY BREAKS
The atmosphere inside the Kane mansion had shifted over the past three days—subtly at first, then overwhelmingly. It lingered in every corner, in every breath, as if the house itself sensed a brewing storm. Even the chandeliers seemed to hang heavier, their lights dimmer, muted by a tension that refused to fade.
Elena felt it most through Adrian.
He was present—physically—but emotionally he was somewhere far, far away.
He barely spoke to her. Barely looked at her. He moved like a man made of stone, controlled, unreadable, silent… yet carrying a pressure inside him that threatened to shatter the moment anyone touched it.
His silence was not coldness—it was suppression.
Suppression of something he didn't want to feel.
Something he didn't know how to deal with.
The staff sensed it too. Their movements were quieter, their expressions tight. Doors closed softly. Footsteps were lighter. Conversations were whispers.
Everyone was waiting.
