Chapter 18

• The Castellano estate buzzed with activity, a subtle hum of anticipation filling the air as guests arrived for yet another family dinner. Maya stepped into the grand dining room with a sense of foreboding she couldn’t quite shake. The table was set with the same opulence as always, but tonight, there was something different. Something heavy in the air.
• Her mother greeted her warmly as usual, beaming in her deep red dress. “Maya, darling! You’re here. Come, sit beside me.”
• Maya smiled faintly and obliged, taking her seat near the middle of the table. She glanced up and met Rafael’s gaze from across the room. His face was stoic, but there was something behind his eyes—a flicker of unease. He quickly looked away, joining Victor at the head of the table.