An hour later, Rosa had retired to the East Wing to rest.
The breakfast dishes had been cleared away, leaving Mara and Nico alone in the quiet warmth of the dining room with the dregs of their coffee. The peace was fragile, but real.
Then, a shadow fell across the threshold.
Luca appeared in the doorway and walked briskly across the room, stopping just behind Nico's chair. Leaning down, he spoke a few quiet, urgent words directly into Nico's ear.
Mara watched as Nico's expression changed. It wasn't panic or anger; just the cold, sharp focus of a man who had just confirmed a threat he already expected.
Nico looked up at his enforcer. "Dr. Silva is gone? Since when?"
"This morning," Luca said, keeping his voice low. "His receptionist said he called in just before eight. He took personal leave. Didn't say how long."
"Did he say where he was going?" Nico asked.
"No, Boss. His apartment is empty. His car is gone."
A heavy beat of silence crashed down over the dining room.
