"Denis?" Anne's eyes narrowed, unease crawling over her skin. "What are you doing here?"
He didn't answer. Instead, he crossed the room in long, determined strides and pulled her into a tight embrace.
Anne's breath caught. For a second, her mind went blank. Then a wave of revulsion hit her like a jolt. She tensed, struggling in his arms.
"Let go of me," she hissed, her stomach twisting in disgust.
But Denis clung to her, refusing to let go. "Thank God you are safe," he whispered into her hair. "When I heard what happened, I panicked. I rushed here immediately, but Augustine had guards posted everywhere. I couldn't get close without being noticed."
Anne fought harder, twisting her body, but his grip was suffocating, tight, and relentless.
"I stayed outside the whole night," he continued, ignoring her resistance. "I waited in my car for a chance to see you. The moment I saw Augustine leaving, I came in. There was no one outside the door. It felt like fate."
