“The doctors gave him three different prescriptions,” Matteo said, his voice low. “None of them worked.”

“Sometimes simple things work best,” I replied.

Matteo stood up, stepping closer to me.

“You have a quiet way about you,” he said, his gaze intense. “Leo trusts you. I can see that.”

“I care about his well-being, Mr. DeLuca,” I said.

“I want you to take over more of his daily care,” he said. “Name your salary.”

“The current pay is fine, sir,” I said. “I only want to help.”

A small smile touched his lips, softening his stern features.

“You are a rare find, Cameron,” he said.

From the hallway, a floorboard creaked.

I looked past Matteo’s shoulder.

Mrs. Higgins was standing in the shadows of the corridor.

Her hands were crossed over her stomach, her fingers clutching her fabric apron tightly.

She was staring directly at me, her eyes cold and calculating.

She had noticed the change in Leo.

And she knew I was the cause of it.

The next afternoon, the penthouse was quiet while Matteo was away at a business meeting.