Morning arrived with a sky washed in golden light.
As usual...Aria was already awake before sunrise.She expected another day of combat training.Another strategy lesson.
Another mountain of financial reports.
Instead...
Marco handed her a simple envelope over breakfast.
"No training today."
Aria looked up in surprise.
"...Really?"
Marco smiled over the rim of his coffee.
"Today's lesson will be outside these walls."
She frowned.
"Outside?"
Marco nodded.
"You cannot lead people..."
"...if you only know them from reports."
He stood and walked toward the window.
"Today..."
"You'll meet the people who trust this family with their lives."
An hour later...
The grand gates of the Ricci estate opened.
Instead of a convoy of armored SUVs...
Only one ordinary black sedan waited.
No family crest or luxury decorations. Nothing that would attract attention. Aria looked confused.
"That's our car?"
Marco chuckled.
"If everyone recognizes us..."
"They'll hide the truth."
