The clinking of silverware was long gone, replaced by the soft hum of piano music echoing faintly through the hallway.
Gia stood alone on the balcony just outside the sitting room, gripping the railing like it was the only thing holding her upright. The night air was cooler than she expected, brushing over her skin like whispers.
She inhaled deeply.
The estate was quiet now, but inside her head? Chaos.
She couldn't shake the look in Mr. Luciano's eyes — that silent dismissal, like she was already beneath him. Like she'd failed a test she hadn't even studied for.
She leaned forward a little, staring out over the vast garden. It was beautiful. Too beautiful. Even the flowers here looked expensive.
"Not used to this, huh?" came a soft voice from behind her.
Gia turned, startled. It was Valentina, a glass of red wine in one hand and a velvet shawl draped over her arm. She walked over with that same grace she'd had all through dinner — like nothing rattled her.
Gia gave a tight smile. "Is it that obvious?"
Valentina laughed lightly. "Sweetheart, I've lived here my whole life and I'm still not used to it."
Gia's smile relaxed just a little. "He hates me."
Valentina didn't ask who. She didn't need to. "He doesn't hate you," she said, swirling the wine slowly. "He just hates the idea of you."
Gia blinked. "That... helps. Sort of."
Valentina's smile softened. "Listen, Gia. My father — he doesn't say much, but when he looks at someone, he's already measured them, labeled them, decided whether they're worth his breath. You? You're new. And different. That scares people like him."
Gia looked down. "I don't belong here."
Valentina tilted her head, watching her carefully. "Then why are you still standing here?"
Gia paused.
It wasn't a challenge. It was a question.
One she didn't quite know how to answer.
---------------------------
Inside, Adrian stood in his father's study. The door was closed, the lights dim.
Luciano didn't speak for a long moment. He simply stood behind his desk, eyes locked on the drink in his hand.
"She's not one of us," he finally said.
Adrian's jaw tensed. "I know."
Luciano looked up slowly. "And yet you brought her here."
Adrian didn't reply.
He didn't have to.
Because yes — he brought her here.
And he wasn't planning on letting go.