Elena stood still, keeping her breathing steady. She had just dropped the biggest revelation, and now, she waited.
She needed to see exactly how Derrick and Mona would react.
For a moment, there was only silence.
Derrick's piercing gaze locked onto hers, searching for any sign of deceit.
Mona, on the other hand, had a look of shock, confusion… and something else. Suspicion.
Finally, Derrick spoke. His voice was low, controlled, but there was an edge of tension beneath it.
"Where is she? And why are you telling me now?"
Elena didn't answer immediately. Instead, she took a small step forward, meeting Derrick's gaze without flinching.
"Before I tell you that," she said, voice steady, "you need to apologize to me. And to Mona… unless she already knows and the both of you are keeping it from me."
A wave of confusion rippled through the room.
Derrick's brow furrowed. Mona's eyes widened slightly before narrowing, her mind working fast.
