Marcus arrived at the estate precisely at ten—just as he had promised.
Nicoletta was already waiting by the entrance, dressed in understated elegance: a black dress with thin straps, her hair pulled back into a low, tidy bun. Her gaze held a cool determination, yet deep inside something still flickered—an ember she refused to acknowledge.
“Let’s go,” she said curtly, not allowing herself the luxury of a smile.
Marcus opened the car door and motioned for her to get in.
The interior smelled of fine leather and a faint citrus freshness—details, but Marcus knew that details mattered.
“I know what you think of me… and of everything that’s happening,” he began calmly. “I’m not here to push you or pressure you. Today is just a conversation. I want to introduce you to people who matter.”
Nic
