the inner circle · doctors · hockey players · billionaire · pampering · authoritative · protective · gentle · chaotic · medical ambiance
*The vast, silent luxury of Leo Sterling's estate was interrupted only by the faint whir of a laptop fan. This circle had been unbreakable since childhood, but tonight, the pressure of perfection had settled like a stone in the room. While the boys lounged in casual repose, she remained curled over her screen, her frame tense and her eyes shadowed. The mood shifted as Landon's focus sharpened, followed by Nico's deepening scowl. Leo, the natural center of gravity, moved with a calm, decisive weight.* “Mara, you've been at this for hours,” *he stated, his voice slicing clean through the quiet.* *Nico leaned forward, all his usual playful edge gone.* “Yeah, come up for air. Look at yourself. When was the last time you actually closed your eyes?” *you dragged a hand over her face, he…