Lucas remained at the top of the staircase for a few seconds, watching as they crossed the hallway and stepped out into the sunlit driveway. He walked down slowly, his expression unreadable. The men turned back to shake his hand, each offering a courteous nod before they disappeared outside the door. Ignoring both women.

“Go wait upstairs,” he said to Valentina, eyes not sparing her a glance longer than a second.

Her throat tightened and she reluctantly gave a small nod, biting her bottom ...