The butler, an elderly woman with neatly tied silver hair and a warm yet professional demeanor, stepped forward with a small bow. “Señorita Anya, let me show you to your room,” she said in a soft, accented voice.Penelope noted her presence immediately. The woman carried herself with elegance and grace, her every movement precise.“Hola! What’s your name?” Anya asked cheerfully, her voice still laced with sleepiness from the long trip.The woman’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “My name is Isabella,” she replied. “You may call me Bella if you like, niña.”Anya giggled. “I like Bella! You have a pretty name.”“Gracias, niña. Now, let’s get you settled in.”Isabella opened a grand double door, revealing a breathtaking room filled with soft pink and gold accents. The canopy bed, draped in sheer fabric with tiny lights twinkling like stars, sat at the center. A soft, fluffy carpet stretched beneath their feet, and a large dollhouse stood near the window.Anya’s eyes widened in awe.
Penelope’s breath hitched, her pulse racing. “I—” Her voice cracked slightly.The question felt like it came out of nowhere, sharp and probing.Penelope fought to steady herself. “No,” she answered, her voice firmer than she felt. “I’m just his employee. There’s nothing between us.”Mrs. Giovanni stopped walking and turned slowly to face her, folding her arms across her chest. Her eyes—so piercing, so much like Brayden’s—searched Penelope’s face.“Really?” she asked, her voice almost teasing but with a sharp edge beneath.Penelope felt a bead of sweat trail down her spine. She met the woman’s gaze and nodded. “Really,” she repeated, forcing confidence into her tone. “He is my boss. That’s all.”A slow, knowing smile tugged at Mrs. Giovanni’s lips. “Hmm,” she mused softly, her eyes flickering with something Penelope couldn’t quite place. Amusement? Or curiosity?A Warning—or a Welcome?They resumed walking, and the tension softened slightly.Mrs. Giovanni spoke again, this time wi
The next morning, a soft knock echoed through Brayden’s room. He ran a towel through his damp hair, his bare chest still glistening from his shower. “Come in,” he called, reaching for his watch on the dresser.The door creaked open, and Mrs. Giovanni stepped in, a bright smile plastered across her face. Her eyes twinkled with warmth, and her posture was relaxed, yet something playful lingered beneath her gaze.“Good morning, son,” she greeted, her voice airy and cheerful.Brayden, fastening the buttons of his crisp white shirt, raised a brow at her unusual buoyancy. “Morning, Mom. You’re in a good mood. Is everything alright?”Mrs. Giovanni’s smile widened, her arms crossing as she leaned lightly against the doorframe. “Everything is perfect. Just wanted to check on my handsome son. How was your sleep?”Brayden narrowed his eyes slightly, his lips curling into a knowing smirk. “It was fine,” he said slowly, his tone cautious. “You’re never this cheerful without a reason. What’s
Penelope stirred awake to the soft brush of sunlight filtering through the large windows, casting a golden glow across the lavish room. The unfamiliar elegance of the space reminded her of exactly where she was—the Giovanni estate in Spain. She lay still for a moment, letting the reality settle in before pushing herself up with a soft sigh.After a quick stretch, she slipped out of bed and padded toward the bathroom, freshening up with a cool splash of water on her face. The reflection that stared back at her in the grand mirror showed slight weariness, but her eyes still held their usual spark. She brushed her curls quickly and tied them up into a loose bun before stepping out.Her mind went immediately to Anya. Time to wake the little princess.Penelope walked down the hall and stopped in front of Anya’s room. She gave a gentle knock. Tap-tap.“Anya?” she called softly.Hearing no response, she eased the door open and peeped inside. The sight brought a warm smile to her lips.
As they began their meal, the room settled into a peaceful rhythm, filled with the soft clinking of silverware and light conversation.Then, Mrs. Giovanni’s voice broke the calm. “So, Penelope,” she began curiously, “how are you enjoying your stay so far?”Penelope paused, wiping her lips with her napkin before answering with a polite smile. “It’s been lovely, Mrs. Giovanni. Your home is beautiful, and the hospitality has been more than generous.”Mrs. Giovanni’s eyes crinkled with genuine warmth. “I’m so glad to hear that. And please,” she added with a soft chuckle, “ there’s no need for formality. You’ve become dear to Anya, and that makes you dear to us.”Penelope’s cheeks warmed slightly. “Thank you. I appreciate your kindness.”With that settled, the conversation tapered off, and they returned to their meal. Yet, Penelope couldn’t shake the feeling of eyes on her.She glanced up, and sure enough—Brayden.Every so often, his gaze flicked toward her, only for him to casually
The massive iron gates ahead groaned and slid open with a mechanical hum, and as they parted, the men in black suits stationed around the compound dipped their heads in unison, a synchronized bow of respect. The SUV gilded forward, the gravel crunching softly beneath the wheels before they rolled onto the smooth asphalt road.The gates closed behind them with a resounding clank, sealing them away from the sanctuary of the estate.The ride was cloaked in thick silence, broken only by the soft hum of the engine and the faint whisper of wind against the windows. Penelope sat stiffly, her arms crossed as her gaze flicked from the road ahead to the man beside her. She hated how composed he looked—one hand on the wheel, his eyes steady on the road, his jaw set in that familiar, unreadable line.Her mind raced. He hadn’t told her a thing—no destination, no reason, just get in.Her eyes narrowed slightly. She had played this silent game long enough.Finally, she broke the quiet, her voice
Her lips trembled slightly. “You…” She swallowed. “You’re not going to leave me here, are you?”Brayden’s brows pulled together, and a flicker of something—offense?—crossed his face. “No,” he said firmly. “I’d never do that.”Penelope felt her chest tightening, her pulse roaring in her ears. She searched his face, his expression—so calm, so steady. No lies. No malice.Her lips parted again, and after a shaky breath, she gave the smallest nod.“I…” She hesitated, then her voice steadied. “I trust you.”A flicker of something unreadable—relief?—passed through his eyes, but he only straightened and stepped back, offering his hand toward her.“Then come with me,” he said quietly.Penelope’s fingers hovered in the air, uncertain, before they slowly found his. His large, warm hand closed around hers, firm but careful.As their fingers touched, something strange pulsed through her chest—something she didn’t have time to understand.The path was barely visible, the ground soft with moss an
The afternoon sun beamed down on the Giovanni mansion.Inez, having finished tidying up the entire mansion, stepped outside, her sharp eyes scanning the area. She spotted Darla near the fountain, deep in conversation with another bodyguard.“Darla,” Inez called firmly, her voice steady but demanding attention.Darla turned immediately, her eyes softening with respect. “Yes, Inez?”“I’m heading in for a nap,” Inez stated, her tone clear. “I don’t want any disturbance. Make sure no one knocks or calls me.”Darla gave a firm nod, understanding how highly Brayden regarded Inez. “Understood. I’ll make sure you aren’t disturbed.”Inez’s lips curled slightly in approval. “Good.” Without another word, she turned and strode back into the mansion.The moment she entered her room, Inez locked the door, twisting the key with a sharp click. She paused for a second, listening—no footsteps, no voices. Satisfied, she rushed to her wardrobe, her heart pounding with an excitement she hadn’t felt in
Victoria Monroe stepped out of the steaming shower, the soft glow of candlelight flickering against the marbled bathroom walls. The scent of lavender and vanilla filled the air as she wrapped herself in a plush robe, letting her damp blonde curls cascade over her shoulders.As she stepped into her bedroom, her gaze landed on a small white envelope resting neatly on the glass table near her bedside.Her brows lifted slightly. She hadn’t heard anyone come in.Intrigued, she walked over, plucking the envelope between her manicured fingers.The wax seal was embossed with the emblem of Giovanni Industries.A slow smirk curled at her lips.So, they had pulled through after all.Victoria slid her finger beneath the seal, tearing it open with practiced ease. Inside was an elegantly designed invitation, the golden lettering spelling out the details of tonight’s grand gala.Her blue eyes flickered with satisfaction.Of course, she was already attending
Penelope entered her room, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting a golden hue over the walls. She let out a quiet sigh, slipping off her heels, her body aching from the long day.But the moment her gaze landed on her bed, she froze.A neatly wrapped black box sat in the center of the mattress, its sleek ribbon tied in a perfect bow.Her heart skipped a beat.Slowly, she approached it, her fingers hesitantly reaching for the small white note placed on top.‘Wear this tonight.’The handwriting was bold, sharp, and unmistakable.Brayden.She exhaled, setting the note aside before carefully lifting the lid of the box.Inside, the most breathtaking dress she had ever seen lay folded perfectly. Black silk, smooth as water, adorned with delicate silver stones that shimmered under the light. The fabric felt cool beneath her fingertips as she lifted it, its weight luxurious yet light.Resting beside it were matching silver heels, diamond earrings,
Victoria Monroe sat on the plush couch in her penthouse suite, one leg crossed over the other, a glass of wine balanced delicately in her hand. The soft glow of the city lights filtered through the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, but her focus was entirely on the television screen in front of her.A news anchor was mid-sentence, speaking with enthusiasm as images of Brayden Giovanni flashed across the screen.“During a press statement earlier today, billionaire CEO Brayden Giovanni clarified his relationship with socialite and businesswoman Victoria Monroe. Despite the circulating rumors, Mr. Giovanni stated that their interactions were purely business-related, putting to rest any speculation about a romantic connection.”Victoria’s fingers tightened around the stem of her wine glass.Her striking blue eyes darkened with anger as she replayed the words in her mind.Purely business.That bastard.She had spent so much time, carefully weaving hersel
Brayden stepped into the sleek conference room of the company, his sharp eyes scanning the table where his media team sat waiting. The air was thick with tension, each member sitting up straighter the moment he entered. The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a golden glow over the polished glass table, but no one was relaxed enough to admire the view.Without a word, Brayden slid into his seat at the head of the table, adjusting the cuffs of his tailored suit. He exuded control, his every movement precise.“The gala,” he started, his voice calm but firm. “I want it scheduled for tonight.”Murmurs of surprise rippled through the room. One of the senior planners, a middle-aged man with glasses, hesitated before clearing his throat.“Tonight, sir?” he asked, shifting in his chair. “It was originally set for next week. Some of the arrangements—”“I don’t care about the original schedule,” Brayden interrupted, his tone clipped
Penelope stepped out of the cab, her heart still pounding from what she had overheard at Desmond’s house. The cool night breeze did little to calm her racing thoughts as she made her way toward the villa’s entrance.She had to tell Brayden.She hesitated at the door, gripping the cold handle. Part of her still burned with resentment toward him for how he had treated her earlier, but this wasn’t about her. This was about Anya. If those men went through with their plan, Anya would be in danger, and she couldn’t live with herself if she didn’t do something to stop it.Exhaling shakily, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.The house was quiet. The usual staff had already retreated for the night, and the dim lighting cast long shadows across the marble floor.She walked up the grand staircase, her fingers gripping the railing tightly as she debated her next move.Would he even believe her?Would he care?Her hands curled into fists as she
The room was suffocatingly dim, the only source of light coming from the flickering candles placed at the center of the worn wooden table. Shadows danced along the cracked walls, making the two cloaked figures sitting across from each other appear even more ominous.They had been waiting for the arrival of their third partner.The silence was thick, tense. Neither of them spoke, but the rhythmic tapping of one’s fingers against the wooden surface echoed softly in the space.Then, the heavy metal door groaned open, indicating someone was coming in.A figure stepped inside, dressed in a crisp black suit. Unlike the cloaked men, he wore no hood to conceal his identity, but his features remained shadowed in the dim lighting.His polished shoes barely made a sound as he strode forward, his movements exuding quiet confidence. He reached into his coat and pulled out a sleek tablet, placing it in front of them before sliding it across the table.One of
Brayden’s piercing gray eyes swept over the group standing before him, his expression dark and unreadable. The tension in the air was suffocating, pressing down on everyone like an invisible weight. His fingers tapped against the side of his expensive watch as he exhaled sharply. “What happened?” His voice was quiet, but the dangerous edge beneath it sent a chill down Penelope’s spine. Darla stepped forward immediately, her posture straight and composed. “Don Giovanni, it was reckless on Penelope’s part,” she said smoothly, her tone carrying just the right amount of concern and authority. “She insisted that we step back and let Anya play freely, despite my objections. I warned her that it wasn’t safe, but she refused to listen. That’s how we lost sight of Anya.” Penelope’s eyes widened in shock. “That’s not true!” she blurted out, stepping forward. “I never ignored any warnings. I only—” Brayden lifted a hand, cutting her
Penelope’s heart pounded violently against her ribs as she sprinted through the park, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Her voice was hoarse from screaming.“Anya!” she called, desperation clawing at her chest. “Anya, where are you?”The afternoon sun bathed the park in warm light, but to Penelope, everything felt cold and suffocating. Parents strolled with their children, unaware of the panic gripping her. Some cast curious glances, sensing the distress in her voice, but no one had seen a little girl wandering alone.Behind her, Darla and the other guards moved swiftly, searching every bench, every slide, every hidden corner.“Spread out!” Darla barked at the men, her sharp eyes scanning the playground. “Check near the fountain and behind the bushes. Someone had to see something!”Penelope’s hands trembled as she gripped her phone, hesitating for a moment before shoving it back into her pocket. Calling Brayden now wouldn’t do any good. She had to find Anya firs
Penelope sighed as she pulled the soft blanket over Anya’s small body, brushing a few strands of hair away from her peaceful face. The little girl had dozed off mid-sentence, exhausted from the morning’s activities. Penelope smiled faintly, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead before straightening up.She walked quietly out of the room, careful not to wake her, and stepped into the hallway where Darla stood, already waiting.“She’s ready for school,” Penelope said softly.Darla gave a curt nod and opened the door wider. Anya stirred, blinking sleepily as she saw the bodyguard. “Darla…” she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.“It’s time to go, princess,” Darla said, her tone softer than usual.Anya yawned and stretched her little arms before slipping off the bed. Penelope helped her into her coat and adjusted the straps of her pink backpack.“I’ll see you when you get back, okay?” Penelope said, crouching to Anya’s level.Anya nodded before wrap