The night was shrouded in a palpable tension as I waited in Master Giovanni’s estate for Hannah to finish dressing. He sat across from me, sipping his tea, his watchful eyes assessing me as though he were measuring every word that left my mouth. His questions were veiled, probing, ensuring that his daughter’s future was secured. And yet, I could feel the weight of unspoken disapproval when the conversation turned to Eloise.
“That woman… I cannot believe she’s marrying before my Hannah. A low-ranking, undisciplined girl, assuming a position of power.” His voice was bitter, laced with contempt.
I tilted my head slightly, studying his reaction. “Would you rather have dealt with her yourself?” I paused, giving him a hard look. “I heard you were considering it before Tyrone stepped in. You mu
