The rest of the evening at the De Villa estate unfolded like a carefully choreographed dance, every smile measured, every word weighed, every glance loaded with meaning that only a select few in the room could decipher. Adrian remained by Sophia’s side for most of the night, his presence a steady, protective shield, unaware that the greatest threats and the most vital alliances were being navigated right under his nose. Marcus stayed close as well, his expression impassive, his position that of a loyal subordinate, while his eyes tracked every movement of Don Rafael and his men, acting as Sophia’s unseen extension.
Lucas De Villa moved through the crowd separately, playing his role as the obedient son and heir to perfection. Yet every time he passed near Sophia, he would offer nothing mor
