SERENA'S POV
The knock came sharp, cutting through the quiet like it had no patience left. Before I could even open my mouth, the door swung open. One of Luca's guards stepped in—the tall one with the short beard and the permanent scowl etched into his face. His eyes landed straight on Inez, narrowing like she was something stuck to the bottom of his shoe.
"New orders," he said, voice rough and low, scraping the air. "Today I'm taking watch in here. Boss wants extra eyes on the perimeter. You can go help in the kitchen or do whatever maids normally do."
Inez didn't move from the chair by the window. She stayed seated, legs crossed, hands resting calm in her lap. She just looked up at him, one eyebrow lifting the tiniest bit, like she was mildly curious about a loud noise outside.
"I was told to stay with Miss Serena," she said, voice even and plain. "By the Don himself. You can take it up with him if you want."
