I walked into the staff breakroom to retrieve my sweater before Leo’s nap time.

My canvas tote bag was hanging on its usual hook by the door.

The zipper was halfway open.

I always kept it closed.

I stepped closer and reached inside to check my belongings.

My fingers brushed against something hard, cold, and metallic at the very bottom of the bag.

I pulled it out.

It was a heavy, gold-plated men’s wristwatch with a cracked sapphire crystal.

I recognized it immediately.

It was the vintage Rolex that had belonged to Matteo’s father—the one he kept in his study.

Before I could slip it back into the bag, the breakroom door swung open.

Mrs. Higgins stood in the doorway.

Her eyes locked onto my hand, which was still holding the gold-plated Rolex.

A cold, triumphant smile touched her thin lips.

“I knew it,” she said.

Behind her, two of Matteo’s house guards stood in their dark suits, their faces expressionless.

“Put the watch on the table, Jenkins,” Mrs. Higgins said, her voice sharp as glass.

I did not move.

My heart hammered against my ribs, loud and fast.