Chapter 4 - WHISPERS IN THE DARK
The fallout was immediate. By nightfall, the Falcone estate was locked down. Armed guards patrolled the perimeter, bracing for the Croft family's retaliation. Tessa packed her meager belongings in her small servant's quarter, terrified of the war she had inadvertently sparked. But before she could slip out the service door into the rainy night, Matteo was there. "You wouldn't survive the night out there," he said softly, leaning against the doorframe. For the first time, Tessa looked directly into his eyes, finding not the ruthless monster the rumors claimed, but a weary king desperate for peace. "I am not worth a war, Mr. Falcone," she whispered. "I decide what is worth fighting for," he replied, gently taking her bag.
