I quickly slid the note back into the folder and closed it.

The brass handle began to turn.

The door opened.

I slipped the folder under a stack of heavy linen sheets on the vanity just as the brass handle clicked.

It was Sofia, the head housekeeper.

She was followed by two younger maids carrying a massive garment bag of white silk.

Behind them stood Matteo, his hands clasped behind his back, his dark eyes scanning the room.

“The dress has arrived, signorina,” Sofia said, her voice low and formal.

I forced my hands to stop shaking and pressed them against my thighs.

“Thank you,” I said, my voice barely a whisper.

Matteo stepped into the room, his boots clicking softly on the terrazzo floor.

He dismissed the two younger girls with a sharp nod.

They scurried out, closing the door behind them.

“Are you well, Emily?” Matteo asked.

His gaze lingered on my pale face.

“I am fine,” I said, looking away toward the tall window that overlooked the courtyard.

The Roman sun was hot, baking the stone walls of the villa, but my skin felt cold.