ticking of an ornate clock on the wall was the only sound breaking the silence. She had to keep her wits about her,

en need to ground herself, she walked over to the window, pulling back the heavy drapes to reveal a breathtaking view of the sprawling grounds below. The garden was meticulo

nterrupted by a sof

Was it Dante? Had he come back to impose more rules,

ce was familiar-it was the wom

a moment before rep

g a tray with a teapot and a cup. Her expression was calm, profess

might help you sleep," she s

strength, a presence that went beyond mere servitude. "Thank you," Sophia said, tho

voice softer this time. "I know this situation must be overwhelming for you. But if I may o

of defiance lighting in her chest. "I'm

o, but in his world, he can. I've worked here long enough to know that challeng

I came here for my mother, and I'll do what I have to for her. But that

she sympathized. "Be careful, miss. Mr. DeLuca is not a man who take

t was this woman really telling her? That she should su

quietly, unsure whether she was accept

ve, pausing only briefly at the door. "Goodnigh

untouched on the table as she crossed her arms, staring at the ornate mirror on the opposite wa

she was now caught in the crossfire. He had promised to take

ho mattered more than anything-her mother. Was she safe? Was she comfortable in the

t happened, no matter what Dante tried to take from he

ith a sigh, she slipped off her shoes and lay back on the bed. She stared up at

expected of her. But tonight, as she lay there in the darkness, she allowed herself one

she woul

ping outside the window. For a moment, she forgot where she was, her mind still heavy with sleep. But then reality

eminder of how little control she had in this place. The clothes were simpl

n her chest. She had no idea what the day would bring, but

was eerily quiet, the kind of silence that felt loaded, like something was about to happen. And

sipping his coffee as if this was the most normal thing in the world.

id, his voice smooth, control

she held her chin high, refusing to

ent longer, as if assessing her defian

ed, her voice sharp

future, of course. There are things you'll need to lear

ked, her fingers curling around th

e no mistake, Sophia-you're not here by accident. Everything

fused to let it show. Instead, she met his gaz

ead across Dante's face. "T