The room felt suddenly airless.
“He’s done it before,” Teresa continued. “Three times in the last year. Each time with a different woman from his staff. Each time thinking I wouldn’t notice.”
Emma’s hands went cold.
“The first one was his accountant. Brilliant performance. She spilled wine on herself twice and told me Luca was afraid of dogs. The second was his event coordinator. She claimed he collected porcelain dolls.”
Despite everything, Emma almost smiled.
“The third,” Teresa said, voice softening, “was his driver’s daughter. Sweet girl. Terrible liar. She told me Luca sleepwalks and once woke up in the garden wearing a bathrobe.”
Emma closed her eyes. “Why didn’t you stop him?”
“Because I wanted to see who he would choose next.”
When Emma looked up, Teresa was watching her with an expression that made her feel transparent.
“The accountant was competent. The event coordinator was clever. The driver’s daughter was kind.” Teresa stepped closer. “But you are the first one he’s looked at the way his grandfather looked at me.”
“He doesn’t—”
“When Camille insulted you, Luca’s hand went to his pocket. Do you know what he keeps there?”
Emma shook her head.
“A ring his grandfather gave him. The one Dante was holding when he proposed to me. Luca only touches it when he’s trying not to do something dangerous.”
Emma’s heart was beating too fast.
“Mrs. Moretti, I work for your grandson because I need the money. That’s all.”
“Then why did you call him darling?”
The question landed like a physical blow.
Emma replayed the last hour. The karaoke lie. The laugh she’d pulled from him. The moment she’d leaned in and whispered the word darling like it was the most natural thing in the world.
“I was improvising.”
“You were honest.”
Before Emma could argue, the door opened.
Luca stood there, tie loosened, expression unreadable.
“Nonna, I need to speak with Emma.”
“Then speak.”
“Alone.”
Teresa smiled. “I think I’ve said enough for tonight.”
She left, but not before squeezing Emma’s hand once.
The door clicked shut.
Luca and Emma stared at each other across a room full of ghosts.
