~Livia's POV
I grinned wider, feeling my earlier frustration fade a little. "Poor Gianna. She really has no idea what she's in for here, does she?"
By the time we finished eating, the afternoon sun had started to mellow, casting soft light through the tall windows. Salvatore's mom stretched lazily, brushing crumbs off her hands. "I think it's time to rest a little," she said, her tone casual but indulgent, as if the day had been far too long for anyone to stay upright much longer.
I nodded, pretending to agree, though my mind was already elsewhere. While she made her way toward her room, I lingered near the hallway, glancing toward the grand staircase, then slipping quietly past her. My feet carried me instinctively, almost as if I couldn't stop myself.
