Under the Facade

harp as ever, entered with his briefcase. As he noticed Isabella, he wondered what she was doing there and hoped it wasn't what she was thinki

The maids bowed to him respectfully,

er since he had never used such a tone with her before. Normall

ediately, taken aback by

, hoping she grasped the situation. Isabella stared at him, realiz

ving him a smile as she moved clo

take it. "You're welcome," Isabella said, attemp

was reluctant, but he shot her a warning look, so she let his long

nity to address something else. "You're late,"

, "Yes. I had a business meeting.

e was satisfied with the answer. "Of course, you did keep

her and walked in. A chuckle rose in her throat; the situation seemed amusing. She enter

downstairs. It was quite something, but it angered him, thinking she had

get all angry, Luciano. I just w

en do that? My mother?" he bellowed, his eyes a

way. Picking up his briefcase, he made for the door. Before touching the doorknob, he turned to her. "Tomorrow, 5:3

ly; he really had

**

he had been at Blooms and Banquets throughout the day, entering as early as three in the afternoon, and ther

n the stairs. When she descended, she was surprised to find the maids still in their

here?" she asked, unable

nything; they stared at

really think it should h

comes back," Vera, one of the maids

ldered; what kind

l not tired? Standing all day?" sh

quite something else. How