“Then don’t walk in, as you belong here.”
The voice came sharply.
Female.
Familiar.
Giulia froze mid-step.
Matteo’s penthouse suddenly felt too exposed—too open—for what she was about to walk into.
She turned slowly.
And there they were.
Three women.
Dressed like they owned the room.
Like they had every right to be here.
Unlike her.
“Chiara?” Giulia blinked.
The brunette crossed her arms, expression unreadable.
“Surprised?” she asked.
“Confused,” Giulia corrected.
Another one stepped forward—tall, blonde, lips curved in something between a smile and a challenge.
“Of course she is,” she said lightly. “You disappeared, and now we find you here?”
“Lucia…” Giulia exhaled, her chest tightening slightly. “What are you doing here?”
The third one didn’t speak.
She stayed slight
