Chapter 13 " Rest , " he commanded , pulling the curtains closed . " One hour . " The moment my head hit the pillow , exhaustion overtook me . The last thing I remembered was Marco sitting in a chair by the bed , his expression unreadable as he watched over me . I didn't know how long Marco stayed , but in my half - conscious state , I thought I felt his fingers gently brush a strand of hair from my face . Through heavy eyelids , I caught a glimpse of him absently turning the black ring on his finger - the one with the falcon insignia I'd noticed before . " So stubborn , " I thought I heard him murmur . " Your mouth says one thing , but your body tells the truth . " When I finally woke , disoriented and groggy , the room was darker than before . I blinked at my watch and gasped for almost six hours ! it was nearly 7 PM ! I'd slept I bolted upright , panic seizing me . Tomorrow was the evaluation day for the Phantom Game project , and I hadn't finished my part of the presentation . As an intern , I was already walking on thin ice - sleeping through half a workday would surely get me fired . The door opened , and Marco stepped in , adjusting his cufflinks with practiced precision . " You're awake , " he observed calmly . " Marco , I slept through the entire afternoon ! The Phantom Game project evaluation is tomorrow , and I haven't- * ' I had Luca request time off for you , " he smoothly interrupted . " Your team has done exceptionally well on the Phantom Game project , and you've done very well too . " I stared at him , torn between gratitude and irritation . " You can't just … make decisions like that for me , " I said finally . " I appreciate your concern , but next time , please don't . I don't want special treatment at the company because of … our relationship . " Marco's expression remained neutral , but I could see something flicker in his eyes . ' Is that what you think this is ? Special treatment ? " " Isn't it ? " I muttered , gathering my things . " Do all your employees get to nap in private rooms when they look tired ? " As I brushed past him , I couldn't help adding under my breath , " Do all men enjoy making decisions without considering others ' feelings ? " I immediately regretted my words when I saw his face darken . For a split second , I glimpsed something cold and dangerous in his eyes to absolute authority . - a reminder that beneath the polished exterior was a man accustomed He didn't respond , simply holding the door open for me with rigid politeness . The drive home was silent . As Marco reached into the glove compartment for his sunglasses , I noticed something that made my blood freeze small hidden compartment containing what was unmistakably a handgun . My mind raced with questions . Why does Marco carry a gun ? What kind of danger is he involved in that requires a handgun for protection ? I quickly looked away , pretending I hadn't seen anything , but my heart hammered in my chest . The Marco Vittorio I thought I knew was becoming more mysterious by the day . -a Two weeks later , the office was buzzing with excitement . Cortese Tech had successfully secured the development rights for the Phantom Game project , beating out several competitors including Red Scorpion Alliance's technology division , Chapter 13 An email from Luca appeared in everyone's inbox announcing a company reward : a three - day trip to Bellavista Estate , described as " one of the most exclusive luxury retreats in the region . " The email mentioned that the estate was owned by the Vittorio family and normally closed to the public . My colleagues couldn't contain their excitement , chattering about the spa facilities , private beaches , and five - star accommodations . I smiled along , but my mind was elsewhere . Bellavista Estate . The Vittorio family property . Will Marco be going too ?