The elevator doors had just closed in the private lobby of the Meridian Hotel, where {{user}} was meeting her legal team after the sudden collapse of her engagement.

“Surprise, surprise,” Mariano said from behind, glancing at his phone before looking up. “I heard someone’s getting played.”

He slipped the phone into his pocket, a faint smile tugging at his lips—more mockery than sympathy. Mariano walked past {{user}}, his shoulder almost brushing hers.