Chapter 176

Viviana’s POV

The room emptied slowly.

Chairs scraped softly against the floor. Low voices drifted towards the door as people filtered out, still discussing logistics, timelines, ideas.

I stayed where I was, organizing my notes, stacking papers that didn’t really need stacking.

Waiting.

I could feel him behind me, not moving, not leaving.

Of course he wouldn’t. And for once, I didn't want him to l