Dante’s POV

The moment Valeria disappeared down the hallway, my attention remained on the empty space where she had been standing.

It was unusual.

She had only just arrived, yet she had excused herself within minutes of seeing my guest. Most people would have stayed, especially with someone like Aurelio Rossi sitting in front of them. They would have smiled, entertained the conversation, and tried to make an impression.

Valeria was not most people.

Still, I did not ...