Angus scoffed and lowered his gaze again, focusing on the brooch. After a few more tries, he finally found the right spot. He pressed the pin against her dress, ready to secure it.
Liesa looked down, her heart racing despite herself. The pause stretched too long. She clenched her fingers. "Mr. Romano, let me do it," she said, unable to take it anymore.
Angus shot her a sideways glance. Then, with sudden precision, he fastened the brooch in one clean motion.
By the time Liesa reacted, he had already straightened up, putting distance between them as if nothing had happened.
Liesa let out a quiet breath and stood up quickly. Her fingers brushed the brooch, admiring its delicate shine.
"Why are you giving me something so expensive, Mr. Romano?" she asked, glancing at him.
"Because it's embarrassing," Angus replied flatly, not even looking up.
Five words. That was all it took to drain her mood.
Angus seemed to catch her thoughts. His voice came cool and steady. "Mr. Grayson's birthday party will be full of people I don't want to deal with. I brought you to keep them off me."
Liesa's fingers paused on the brooch. She cleared her throat. "I see," she said, forcing her voice to stay calm.
"And this isn't a gift," Angus added, finally lifting his eyes to her. "It's a loan. You'll return it after we leave."
The last bit of joy disappeared completely.
Liesa forced a small smile. "Then I'd better be careful with it," she said, lightly touching the brooch again. "I can't afford to break something like this."
"You must wear it," Angus said, narrowing his eyes slightly. "If I see you take it off, there will be consequences."
Liesa sighed inwardly.
She gave a polite nod. "Understood, Mr. Romano," she said, keeping her tone even.
Angus only glanced at her once before lowering his gaze back to his book, as if she had already stopped existing.
If not for the brooch resting against her chest, Liesa might have believed the whole moment had been nothing more than a strange, fleeting dream.
Liesa stood there, bored, her gaze drifting around the courtyard.
When she spotted Sam coming out of the house, she brightened and waved at him. "Sam, you're out already?" she said with a smile. "That was quick."
Sam paused when he noticed the brooch on her chest. His eyes widened slightly before he let out a long sigh.
"Mr. Grayson is throwing a tantrum again because you didn't show up," Sam said, rubbing his temple. "He's inside, making a scene."
Liesa blinked, then quickly responded, glancing at Angus out of the corner of her eye.
"It's a bit awkward to ignore him," she said carefully. "But he did yell at Mr. Romano this morning. It's understandable Angus doesn't want to go."
Sam frowned, clearly troubled. "If we weren't in the mansion, it'd be different," he said. "But since we are… we can't really avoid this."
He hesitated, then added, "Besides, Mr. Romano won't leave. Especially since he still needs to…"
Liesa's ears practically perked up. She leaned forward slightly. "He needs to what?" she asked, curiosity slipping through.
Sam sighed again, as if regretting he'd said too much. "Long story short, we can't ignore Mr. Grayson," he said. "He has to be dealt with."
"So what now?" Angus asked, his patience thinning. Angus slowly lifted his gaze from the book, his eyes cold and sharp as he looked at Sam.
Sam straightened, his expression turning serious. "I think it'd be best if Miss Valtieri goes to see Mr. Grayson on your behalf," he said.
He paused, then continued, "First, she's your girlfriend now, so it's more appropriate. Second, she's quick-witted. She might be able to smooth things over."
"This way, you're giving Mr. Grayson a way out," Sam added. "I believe he'll understand."
Liesa froze where she stood.
She forced her expression to stay neutral, but frustration rose in her chest.
The last person Liesa wanted to face was the one who had injured her ear.
But as soon as Sam finished speaking, Angus's gaze shifted to her, thoughtful and cold.
Liesa frowned, her guard going up. "Are you thinking of threatening me?" she asked, her tone cautious.
Angus didn't answer. He simply looked at her, his silence heavy.
Liesa rolled her eyes inwardly.
She forced a smile. "Fine, I'll go," she said, glancing at him one last time.
When Angus didn't stop her, she turned and walked away without hesitation.
Sam watched her leave, then hesitated before speaking. "Sir, about the brooch…" he said quietly.
Angus shot him a sharp look. "I don't know who sent her yet," he said flatly. "I can't trust it until I do."
Sam nodded at once, understanding.