The next morning, the mansion was a flurry of activity. Madam Blackwell had organized a garden luncheon with several influential families, a way to show off Lucien's "recovery"… and his connection to Celeste Sinclair.
Ava moved between tables quietly, refilling teacups and arranging pastries.
She kept her eyes down, but she could feel Lucien watching her.
Again.
From across the garden, seated beside Celeste, Lucien's gaze kept straying toward Ava as she worked. Her hair was tied up, her uniform crisp, but her eyes were distant… distracted.
Then he arrived.
"Hey, Ava?"
Ava turned to see Daniel Hart, the young security consultant Lucien's company recently hired. Tall, charming, and far too curious for his own good.
She offered a polite smile. "Mr. Hart."
"No need to be formal. Just Daniel."
He leaned in, lowering his voice. "What's a girl like you doing in a place like this?"
"I work here," she said flatly, turning back toward the table.
"You don't belong in a maid uniform," he said softly. "You look like you used to be someone else."
Her heart skipped.
She turned sharply. "What do you mean by that?"
He held up his hands, laughing. "Nothing bad. Just… I have a good eye. You don't carry yourself like the rest of them."
From the garden table, Lucien had frozen mid-conversation.
Celeste followed his line of sight. "Something wrong?"
Lucien didn't answer. His eyes were locked on Daniel and the way Ava laughed politely at something he said.
Something clenched in his chest.
What the hell is this feeling?
Later, as guests mingled under the shade of white parasols, Daniel cornered Ava near the rose trellis.
"I'm serious. If you ever want to talk or leave this place, I know people."
Ava stiffened. "Thank you, but I'm fine."
"Doesn't look like it."
Just then, a shadow fell over them both.
Lucien.
His eyes were dark.
Daniel stepped back, confused. "Sir."
Lucien said nothing for a moment. Then, calmly but coldly:
"You're supposed to be guarding the perimeter, not flirting with staff."
Daniel straightened. "I was just being friendly."
"Don't be," Lucien said. "You're dismissed for today."
Daniel looked between them. "Seriously?"
Lucien's gaze was ice. "Do you want it to be permanent?"
Daniel left, muttering under his breath.
Ava turned to Lucien. "You didn't have to do that."
Lucien's voice was low. "I don't like strangers around you."
"Strangers?" she snapped. "You mean people who treat me like I matter?"
His jaw clenched. "I didn't mean"
"You don't even know who I am," she cut in, eyes flashing. "So why do you care?"
He stepped closer, voice a whisper. "That's the problem. I don't know why… but I do."
Their eyes met.
Electric. Dangerous. Confused.
Then footsteps approached, Celeste.
"Ava," she said sweetly, "Madam Blackwell needs you in the kitchen."
Ava turned and walked away, heart thudding.
Behind her, Celeste slipped her arm into Lucien's.
But he was still staring after Ava.