It's in the contract

Before Carlo could respond, the black SUV glided to a stop in front of them. The driver, dressed in his usual crisp black suit, stepped out and opened the door with a polite nod.

With calm eyes, Carlo gestured for Maria to get in, and with a soft sigh, she slipped into the backseat.

Her grandfather followed, settling in beside her. The car pulled away from the curb, merging smoothly into traffic.

Keeping her silence, Maria stared out the window, her thoughts racing as her grandfather sat there, hands folded neatly in his lap, his gaze fixed ahead. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, a dozen questions swirling in her mind, but she kept them at bay for now.

As the car drove through the city streets, Maria’s eyes drifted to the rearview mirror, catching glimpses of the buildings fading into the distance.

Finally, the car slowed to a stop in front of an upscale restaurant nestled on a quiet street corner.

'La Maison Étoilée?' Maria thought, swallowing her nervousness.

It was flashy