Serena’s eyes widened, her lips parting slightly in surprise, as if trying to place a familiar presence in an unfamiliar setting. Antonio, stiff and unreadable, gripped his wine glass tighter. And Sergio De Santis… his expression remained composed, but I saw it—the slight twitch of his jaw, the narrowing of his gaze.

Recognition. Unease.

A slow, calculated smile curled my lips.

Let the game begin.