Amara's POV :
I woke up to sunlight and an empty house again.
The note on my nightstand was from Alicia.
*Mr. Vale left early for meetings. Security will arrive at 9 AM. Breakfast is downstairs when you're ready.*
I crumpled the note and threw it across the room.
Security. Like I was a child who couldn't be trusted.
I got dressed and went downstairs. The kitchen was empty and breakfast was waiting under a covered plate. I ate without tasting anything .
At exactly nine AM the doorbell rang.
I heard Alicia answer it and then footsteps coming toward the kitchen.
A man in his thirties appeared in the doorway. Dark suit. Earpiece. Professional blank expression that gave nothing away.
"Ms. Reyes," he said. "I'm James from Mr. Vale's security team. I'll be accompanying you today."
"I don't need accompanying."
"Mr. Vale disagrees." His face didn't change. "Wherever you go, I go."
"And if I don't want to go anywhere?"
"Then I'll wait."
