Los Angeles, Universal Music Recording Studios.

When Elias pushed the door open, the atmosphere inside was heavy. He wore sunglasses, attempting to hide the dark circles under his eyes and the red streaks of a hangover, but they couldn't conceal the aura of decadence clinging to him.

"Sorry, traffic," he muttered perfunctorily, tossing his guitar case onto the sofa.

Chloe was sitting a