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When they finally arrived, the villa they had imagined had turned into a sprawling grand hotel, its towering columns and ornate balconies gleaming under the afternoon sun. The manicured gardens stretched wide, dotted with elegant fountains and marble statues. The polished marble steps led up to massive double doors, framed by intricate ironwork and shimmering glass.

As they stepped inside, the lobby’s crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over polished wood and marble floors. A poised woman behind the front desk greeted them with a practiced smile. “Welcome to The Evermoon Estate. Do you have appointment?” she said smoothly.

Anna stepped forward, glancing briefly at Officer Russo before answering. “Not exactly. We were hoping to take a look around. This place… it used to be a private villa, didn’t it?”

The woman nodded, folding her hands in front of her. “Yes, it was. Renovated eight years ago. Now a five-star destination—spa, vineyard, suites with panoramic views. I’m afraid we don’t offer public tours unless you’re staying here.”

Before Anna could respond, a voice came from the grand staircase behind them.

“I’ll handle this, Maria.”

A man descended the steps with a casual grace, dressed in an impeccably tailored suit. His salt-and-pepper hair was neatly combed, his presence confident and commanding.

“I’m Charles Fleming,” he said, extending a hand toward Anna. “I am the owner of The Evermoon Estate.”

Anna took his hand slowly. The name tugged at something in the back of her mind—familiar, just out of reach. She blinked, trying to place it, but the memory slipped through her fingers like smoke.

“I… I feel like I’ve heard your name before,” she said, unsure whether it was aloud or just in her head.

Charles smiled faintly. “Perhaps you have.” Then, with a practiced ease, he turned his attention to the older man beside her. “And this gentleman—may I ask who he is?”