It was late afternoon by the time the sun stretched across the pool, its light casting a soft gold shimmer across the surface. The water shifted lazily, catching bits of sky in each ripple. Bellavista was completely silent again—no cameras behind hedges, no cars idling at the gate, no press trying to catch her slipping. Lucas had cleared them all out days ago. One statement from him, and they scattered like ash in wind.

Valentina floated near the edge, her arm resting along the cool tile, ...