Elena followed Marco down the long hallway, her shoes soft against the marble floor. The place was huge. Every wall gleamed white, with gold lights fixed high above. Paintings hung neatly across both sides, and the air smelled faintly of wood polish and something expensive she couldn’t name.
Marco walked a few steps ahead, explaining in a calm voice. “This is the west side. Staff use this corridor most of the time. Kitchen’s at the end. Laundry, storage, and staff lounge are through the next door.”
Elena nodded, trying to keep up. “It’s… very big,” she said softly.
Marco gave a small smile. “Yes. It takes time to get used to it.”
She looked around again. “How many people work here?”
“About twelve full-time,” he replied. “We have maids, drivers, cooks, guards, and a few gardeners. Mr.
