"I heard everything you said in the room," Alfonso said, surprising Ruth. Ella's words lingered in the air, creating unspoken tension between them. Ruth hadn't spoken against Alfonso or Reid, but her worry was evident. Feeling Ruth's fear, Alfonso took a deep breath and reached for her hand, catching her off guard. She braced herself for his anger, expecting him to lash out, but to her surprise, he didn't. "We have quite an age difference, and you're young. You know what pleases me in bed, and you provide it. I'm unsure if I can fulfill your needs," Alfonso said, his voice gentle. Ruth's throat tightened, rendering her speechless. Only one thought raced through her mind: would she have the courage to tell him? As she grappled with her secret's weight, her thoughts swirled like a whirlwin