They arrived in front of the Casamonica mansion, the exterior built of massive, ancient stones that looked like a relic from the height of the Roman Empire.
Nico stepped out first, to open the door for Anastasia.
Matteo was already out of his side before she could even gather the heavy dress out of the car.
She circled the car, meeting him at the bottom of the stairs where he offered his arm.
Isabella's car drove in behind them, but when the valet opened the backseat, she wasn't there.
Anastasia scoffed, a small sound of triumph, thinking Isabella had finally saved herself the embarrassment of showing her face.
But for Matteo, the absence was a red flag. High-stakes events like this were Isabella's favorite hunting grounds... he wondered briefly where she'd gone, but he shoved the thought away, focusing entirely on the woman vibrating against his arm.
He could feel her silent heaving, the frantic rhythm of her nerves.
