SERENA'S POV
The knock came sharp and impatient, rattling the quiet of the room. Before I could say anything, the door pushed open. One of Luca's guards stepped inside—the tall one with the short beard and the permanent scowl that made his face look carved from stone. His eyes landed on Inez like she was an intruder who had wandered into the wrong part of the house.
"New orders," he said, voice rough like gravel under boots. "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 stayed right where she was in the chair by the window. She didn't stand up. She didn't even shift. She just looked at him, calm as still water, one eyebrow lifting the smallest bit.
"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."
