t stand the idea of even breathing the same air as her. She shut the door behind her and leaned against it, closing her

ced into Alessandro's life, paraded aroun

Her reflection seemed like a stranger-eyes shadowed by fatigue, lips pressed into a firm line. She

lf-expecting to see Alessandro there, ready to demand something else of her. Inste

softly, with an air of defe

plied, trying to return the smil

d staff. Mr. DiLaurentis requested that I assist

something he had to control. But Greta seemed kind,

tepping aside to let her in. "But it'

"I know, ma'am. But I would be honored to help. We co

softening the hardness she'd built up all day. She found hers

owns and dresses she'd barely worn since her arrival. Greta's hands skimmed over the fab

lding it up. "It would suit you beauti

t its softness, but her heart sank a little. "I don

f turn, ma'am, but sometimes men don't know what they need until th

ly because it felt right. Every choice since marrying Alessandro had been dictated by him-what he wanted, what would please him, or at the ver

said finally, a faint, determ

across the vanity chair, smoothing it with gentle hands.

eplied, grateful for the older

pping into Alessandro's world, facing his family and, undoubtedly, the watchful eyes of his grandfather. She'd never met the man, but she had heard whispers of his ruthless nature-how he was the true architect of the Di

dressed in the emerald gown that made her feel something close to confidence. She would face Alessand

ia's nerves had sharpened into a tense readiness. She'd dressed in the emerald gown, its fabric hugging her frame in a way that felt both powerful and vulnerable.

, dressed in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo. His presence was imposing, his expression unreadable as he glanced

tone neutral but his eyes linger

st the surge of adrenaline in her veins. "Y

fixed on her with that ins

his approval wasn't what mattered tonight. She was here for hers

surrounded by acres of perfectly manicured gardens-her heart hammered with a mixture of dread and anticipation. Alessandro led her inside witho

chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft, golden glow over the scene. Emilia felt every eye in the room turn toward them as they entered, a wave

ard a group of men near the bar. He gave her a brief glance, as if to say st

She would not let his dismissal rattle her.

h and darkly amused. She turned to see an older man with sh

autiously, her guard

ry in his eyes. "I'm Luca DiLaur

composed herself, nodding politely. "It'

narrowing slightly. "I wonder. You must be quite awar

to meet his gaze with a calm expression.

ment flickering in his eyes. "I see. Perhap

scomfort. "I may not have been born into this family, b

. "Interesting. Very well, then. We shall see h

t backed down, hadn't let his veiled criticism shake her. But as she glanced across the room and sa

and forced smiles. Alessandro kept his distance, watching her from afar, and though she'd expected it, the coldness still stung.

rner of the ballroom, taking a glass of champagne from a