She quickly grabbed a knife from the rack and placed it beside her on the counter. Just in case. Some moments later, footsteps returned. Vee straightened immediately, one hand drifting near the knife.
Marco entered the kitchen carrying a decorative box. Dark polished wood, with gold detailing along the edges and a black ribbon tied neatly around it. "Miss Scalese…" he said.
"Marco?" Vee breathed, relief rushing through her. She looked past him. "Where is Luca?"
"He left."
"What?" Vee's eyes widened.
Marco stood in the middle of the kitchen, holding the decorative box. His face gave nothing away. Typical Marco. "We will see him soon." He stepped forward and handed the box over to her. "Please get dressed in this. We have to leave in a bit."
The box was heavier than she expected. It felt ceremonial.
"What's going on?"
Marco said nothing. Vee looked from him to the box, then back again. Her heart began to beat harder as understanding slowly dawned on her.
