pte

in the

ilence she left behind pressed down like a physical weight. Pearl's hands moved automatically, tidying the brea

f Italian leather on marble before a wall

ering across the floor with a deafening

Ace," she stammere

cker, but the air around him t

e machine with a predator's grace. Pearl froze

in order before you left," she ad

eliberate, as he watched the d

s..." A rare, fleeting smile tugged at his lips. "...she's a l

y something clever, but all she could do was swal

ut I wa

rrupt! When I

linched, a shiver running down her spine. This house

ered, trying to stead

rate sip of coffee. "Wh

Pearl Au

tongue like a coin, heavy and del

strode into th

ext move. Follow him. Observe. Learn. Any slip

ves and hurried after him, h

gardener are all on leave," Ace said wi

nus, schedules, and her mental checklist. Mia. Meals. Be

but fair. When she returns from school, she'll want to dis

If it doesn't involve my daughter's immediate well-being, I am not to be bothered. I am your

rule, every glance a warning. I have to navigate th

" she said, her voi

ah

a, and-if it's alright-for you as well?" She drew a deep br

essing every nuance in her post

palate. You can handle her

heart still thundered. Control the chaos.

No probl

ost hear the whirring of her own thoughts. Every action

ssion shifting from cold

ndly terms now,

rain from her face. "N

like a judgment. Pearl sank into a chair, pressing her hands to her face. Like