After dinner, the group moved to the estate’s sprawling lounge. Sylvia kept close to Julian, her mind sharp as she observed the room. Luciana, playing her role as Clara, stayed on the periphery, her watchful gaze a constant reminder of the danger they were in.
“You’ll have to come to the gala next month,” Julian said, his voice drawing Sylvia’s attention back to him.
She raised an eyebrow. “Another gala?”
“It’s the event of the season,” he explained, his tone casual. “Everyone who’s anyone will be there. Politicians, business leaders, the works.”
“Sounds like quite the party,” Sylvia said, her tone light.
Julian grinned. “You should see galas as more than just parties, Maria. It’s where deals are made. Alliances formed. You’ll fit right in. How we met tells that much."
Sylvia’s mind
