They did not look at Sofia or Marcus.

They looked only at Luca, waiting for his command.

“Secure the lower floor,” Luca ordered.

“And the study?” one of the men asked.

“We will get the safe open shortly,” Luca said. “First, we must ensure the master bedroom is safe.”

He turned back to Sofia, a cold smile touching his lips.

“We wouldn’t want anyone slipping in to disturb Alexander while he is so vulnerable,” Luca said.

He began to walk toward the stairs, his men following close behind.

My hands began to shake beneath my apron.

The ledger felt like a block of lead against my stomach.

I had to get upstairs before they did.

I had to find a place to put it.

I slipped backward into the darkness of the service corridor, my soft shoes making no sound on the linoleum.

The air in the back hallway was colder, smelling of laundry soap and old floor wax.

Behind me, I heard the heavy thud of the men’s boots beginning to ascend the grand staircase.

“Luca, stop!” Sofia shouted from the foyer.