The next morning felt different.
Not calmer.
More intentional.
Elize noticed it immediately.
The staff avoided her slightly more than before.
Not fear.
Instruction.
She had become a known variable.
And known variables were managed.
She moved through the hallway toward breakfast.
But halfway there—
She stopped.
Because Luca was waiting.
Not at the table.
Not in a meeting.
In the corridor.
Like he had been expecting her path.
“You’re early,” he said.
“I didn’t know timing mattered here.”
“It always does.”
A pause.
Then he stepped aside slightly.
“Walk with me.”
It wasn’t optional.
She followed.
They moved through a quieter section of the estate.
No staff.
Fewer cameras.
Or at least fewer visible ones.
“You’re adjusting too cleanly,” Luca said after a while.
“Is
