Chapter 15 I must have made some small sound , because he turned , catching me staring . But unlike the first days of our marriage , his sharp gaze didn't harden at my intrusion . Instead , his eyes softened almost imperceptibly . " Awake ? " he says , hooking his finger under my chin . " Looking at me so intently , do you want one more time before vacation ? " My heart skips a beat , and I shake my head , " Nonsense- " " If you don't want to , then forget it . " A hint of a devilish smile appears at the corner of his mouth . By Friday afternoon , my colleagues and I gathered at the company's parking lot where luxury coaches waited to transport us to Bellavista Estate . Everyone was dressed in their weekend best , excitement palpable in the air . " I can't believe we're going to stay at the Vittorio family estate , " gushed Tina , adjusting her designer sunglasses . " Do you think he'll actually show up ? " " No way , " said Paolo confidently . " I have insider information that the CEO has purchased many items , apparently he went on a business trip . " " He won't come , I agreed absently , then immediately regretted it when Tina gave me a curious look . " How can you be so sure ? " she asked , eyes narrowing suspiciously . " Just a guess , " I backpedaled . The female colleagues around me are touching up their makeup . I hear them discussing the program for this vacation in low voices . It seems they have prepared a lot for this company event . From the corner of my eye , I noticed several men in dark suits standing at a distance , observing our group . With a jolt , I recognized Giulio Bruno , Marco's personal assistant , though he pretended not to see me . My heart raced . If Giulio was here , did that mean Marco would actually attend ? I felt a confusing mix of emotions- dismay at the prospect of losing five hundred euros I couldn't afford . We're legally married , I thought indignantly . Couldn't he have given me a heads - up ? T Upon arrival at Bellavista Estate , I was stunned by its magnificence . The sprawling property overlooked the Mediterranean , with manicured gardens and a main building that resembled a Renaissance palace more than a vacation retreat . As we lined up to receive qur room keys , Luca Ferrari approached me with a clipboard . ' Ms. Rossi , you're in Villa 3 , " he said , handing me an elegant key card . Before I could ask why I wasn't staying in the main building with everyone else , Monica from Public Relations stepped onto a small platform . Ladies and gentlemen , ' she announced , " Mr. Vittorio would like to say a few words . " The crowd fell silent as Março appeared , looking devastating in a silver gray bespoke suit , flanked by security personnel . My heart leapt at the sight of him , even as I mentally said goodbye to my five hundred euros , His sharp gaze swept across the assembled employees , lingering briefly on me , I tried to smile , but my distress must have shown on my face because his brow furrowed slightly . He probably thought I was upset that he hadn't told me he was coming . Akter a brief welcome speech , the crowd dispersed toward the main building . Luca gestured for me to follow her in the opposite direction . " This way , Ms. Rossi , " she said , leading me down a path that branched away from the main resort area , As we walked , I noticed several security personnel among the trees . The path eventually opened to reveal a secluded area with several private 698 Chapter 15 villas , each surrounded by lush gardens and high walls . On one of the stone pillars , I spotted a small , distinctive emblem - a black falcon in flight . My breath caught as I recognized the symbol I'd seen on Marco's ring . Luca stopped before the most elegant villa and gave me a knowing look . " Mr. Vittorio is waiting for his wife , " she said quietly . " Please follow me . "