The silence in the conference room was deafening. I could feel everyone's eyes shifting between Rhys and me, the tension so thick it was almost suffocating. Four years of carefully constructed walls and I had just willingly stepped back into his orbit. The look of absolute shock on his face almost made it worth it.
Almost.
"Ms. Florence," Orion broke the silence, his deep voice steady and reassuring. He moved to my side, his presence a comforting shield against Rhys's penetrating stare. "Perfect timing. We were just about to discuss your contribution to the proposal."
I took a deep breath and stepped fully into the room. "Thank you, Alpha Valerius." My voice came out stronger than I expected, considering the hurricane of emotions swirling inside me.
Sera's jaw had practically hit the floor. Ethan was staring at me like I'd grown a second head. Even Julian, Rhys's ever-stoic head of security, couldn't hide his surprise.