Page 44 of My Husband’s New Fiancée

“Morning,” a few people answer back.

I can feel their curiosity from here.

The doors close. Numbers light up one after another. On the ninth floor — R&D — I step out with the others.

First checkpoint.

Full-body millimeter-wave scan.

I hold my breath.

The machine hums softly. One second. Two.

The first light turns green.

It didn’t detect anything.

I exhale discreetly and move to the biometric panel. I place my hand against the screen. A second green light appears.

A voice sounds overhead.

“Please state your identity.”

“Valeria Delorme.”

A second later, the response comes.

“Access denied.”

The light flashes red. My stomach knots.

I press the request button again.

“Please state your identity.”

“Valeria Delorme.”

“Access denied.”

My heartbeat spikes. Sweat beads at my temples. Behind me, the security door is sealed shut. In front of me, the next one remains closed.

I’m trapped between the two.

Dante authorized my return. So why—

A crazy thought crosses my mind. I close my eyes and inhale.

“Valeria Ivanov.”

Silence.

Then:

“Access granted.”

The third light turns green. The door unlocks with a heavy click.

I don’t move.