It was even grander than she had imagined-a fortress of s

al barriers; they were a stark rem

t. After weeks of preparation, this tim

just enough to be courteous, but guarded. His suit was neat, his p

the place-controlled, preci

extending his hand. "Come with m

," Mia said wit

detail-the quiet movements of the security cameras, the staff moving with practiced ease, the pric

naire. What else

Mia didn't care, her focus had already drifted-past the doorway into the dining room, beyond the polished

de his fian

on a white couch, radiating the s

y detail-from her perfectly styled hair to her designer heels-exuded

ss rising in her throat. S

ck. "Before we get you settled, it's cus

uldn't imagine his reaction

Would Bella suspect th

on so easily, then she

ng more, she breathed,

of staff's voice snapped

bowed slightly b

ure, the kind of wealth that didn't need to announce itse

sture at ease. But when he did, just for a

n or maybe surprise. Bu

arm over Bella's thigh. A deliberate move, ju

edge her. Those were the o

ingers over his arm-a silent cl

s, and a thin smi

sked, her tone light but l

the new assistant cook," t

ver Mia, assessing h

head. "What's the hiring process these d

lied, but her face remained neutr

her voice lowering-but not

ablet. "You insisted we hire new st

more staff after al

Bella's gaze. "It's too late;

d, then tur

tion, Tiffany," she said with a polit

ntion to Zac, resuming her conversat

and final, and it hit Mia har

d, but it was another reminder of

dear." The chief of staff m

m out, her heart racing. Zac had

ad, yet simpl

****

ng the pantry, trying to focus on anything

e heard

ia

eath c

ng casually against the doorframe, arms cross

ch droppe

" she wh

another familiar face. This was not mean

oing here?" Her

ere," Angelo said with a lazy shrug. "But imag

ssing her like he was try

he could not afford it. "So wha

ected, her voice low. "T

smirked. "Oh, that's cool. But

her shoulder. "Angelo, please

more, another voice

gel

s expression giving nothing away. His gaze moved be

here," he said to Angelo

just saying hello to

ach other?" Zac

rted but Ange

d. "We met at the airport w

Well... Tiffany's working right

rrender. "Alright, alright. I'

glance at Mia,

. He stood there, w

ught he might say som

urned and w

ripping the counter ti

ome seeki

sure she would survive