"THE MAFIA BOSS WATCHED ME PUSH HIS ENGAGEMENT CAKE ACROSS THE DINING ROOM WITHOUT PUTTING MY LEFT HEEL DOWN—THEN HIS FIANCÉE SAID, “SHE FELL IN THE GIFT ROOM,” BEFORE HE HAD ASKED WHY I WAS LIMPING.

For the next forty-eight hours, the Moretti mansion operated under a blanket of deceptive tranquility.

On Friday morning, Vanessa Bellini woke up in high spirits. She spent three hours in the master spa having her nails manicured, her hair styled, and taking calls from society reporters eager for details about Saturday's grand wedding at St. Michael's Cathedral.

She was completely oblivious to the fact that every phone in her suite was wiretapped, every email monitored, and every move tracked by Daniel Vance’s security detail.

Downstairs on the second floor, I spent Friday resting in the luxurious master guest suite.

Mrs. Carter brought me hot meals on silver trays—thyme-roasted chicken, fresh asparagus, and homemade strawberry tarts. Dr. Harris visited twice a day to check my leg splint and change my bandages.

At two o'clock on Friday afternoon, the heavy oak door of my guest suite opened, and Luca walked in alone.

He had removed his dark suit jacket, wearing a crisp white shirt with the collar unbuttoned. He carried a small, silver tray containing a pot of fresh tea and two china cups.

"Mr. Moretti," I said, trying to sit up straight against my pillows.

"Stay resting, Hannah," Luca instructed gently, setting the tray on the bedside table. He poured two cups of tea, handing one to me before sitting down in the armchair beside my bed.

"How is the foot feeling?" he asked.

"Much better, thank you, sir," I smiled softly, sipping the warm chamomile tea. "The doctor says the swelling is going down nicely."

Luca looked at me, his sharp gray eyes tracing the contours of my face. "I spoke with my financial team this morning, Hannah."

My heart gave a nervous flutter. "Sir?"

"Your employment contract as a housemaid has been terminated," Luca said flatly.

My chest tightened instantly. "Terminated? But... but you said—"

"Let me finish," Luca interrupted softly, a faint glint of humor touching his eyes. "You are no longer a housemaid. As of this morning, you are appointed as the Assistant Director of the Moretti Children's Foundation—our charitable trust that manages educational scholarships across Chicago."

I stared at him, my tea cup frozen halfway to my lips. "What?"

"It comes with a base salary of eighty-five thousand dollars a year, full health insurance, paid leave, and a private apartment near Lincoln Park," Luca detailed calmly, as if presenting a routine business update. "Your landlord on Wabash Avenue has already been paid off for the remaining eight months of your lease, and your belongings are being moved to your new apartment today."

Tears sprang into my eyes, blurring my vision. "Luca... I... I can't accept that. That's... that's too much."

"It isn't nearly enough for a woman who saved my life, my family honor, and my mother's memory," Luca said firmly, reaching out to gently cover my hand with his. "You refused charity when you were broke and in pain, Hannah. You earned this."

I looked down at his large, warm hand wrapping around mine, feeling an overwhelming rush of warmth, safety, and affection that went far beyond the professional boundaries of a master and servant.

"Thank you," I choked out, a tear spilling down my cheek. "Thank you so much."

Luca’s thumb gently brushed the tear away from my cheekbone. "Now," he whispered, his tone shifting back to cold steel. "Tomorrow is the wedding."

"Are you still going through with it?" I asked, shuddering at the thought of Vanessa standing beside him at the altar.

"The ceremony will begin at eleven o'clock at St. Michael's," Luca revealed, a dark smile touching his lips. "All two hundred and fifty guests will be present. Silvio's hired muscle will be stationed at the rear doors, expecting his four-million-dollar payout from London at noon."

"And the necklace?"

"The real emerald necklace was recovered from Kingsbury & Fine by Daniel’s team last night," Luca said softly. "It is currently sitting safely in my jacket pocket."