Isadora stepped inside.
She froze.
Her eyes slowly widened as she looked around.
There was a huge bed in the center of the room, a sitting area with a large sofa, a television mounted on the wall, a desk near the window, and an enormous wardrobe.
Then she noticed another door.
She opened it.
A bathroom.
A massive one.
Marble floors, a large bathtub, a walk-in shower, two sinks, and more space than she had ever needed in her life.
Isadora slowly closed the door.
She turned toward Anthony.
“This is not a room.” Anthony looked at her calmly.
“No?” “This is an apartment.” He remained silent.
“There’s a living room, a bathroom bigger than my bedroom, a wardrobe bigger than my entire apartment…” She looked around again.
“And I’m supposed to sleep here?” “Yes, Miss Matthew.” Isadora stared at him.
“Why?” “Master Valen instructed us to prepare this room for you.” She shook her head in disbelief.
“This is ridiculous.” Anthony allowed himself a faint smile.
“You may find the young master’s definition of a room somewhat different from yours.” “Clearly.” She walked toward the huge windows.
When she pulled the curtains open, another gasp escaped her.
The view was breathtaking.
The gardens stretched across the property, with perfectly trimmed lawns, flower beds, tall trees, and a large fountain visible from the window.
Isadora pressed a hand against the glass.
“This place is insane.” Anthony stood near the door.
“You should make yourself comfortable.
Your belongings will be brought up shortly.” Isadora turned around.
“Wait.” “Yes?” “Does Valen actually live here alone?” Anthony looked at her for a moment.
“Yes.” Isadora blinked.
“Really?” “Yes.
This is Master Valen’s private residence.” She looked around the enormous manor.
“All of this… just for him?” “Yes.” Isadora stared at him in disbelief.
“That’s insane.” Anthony remained perfectly composed.
“Although, of course, the household staff also live on the estate.” “Oh.” She nodded slowly.
“So technically, he’s not alone.” “Correct.” “But he’s the only one who actually lives here as a resident?” “Yes.” Isadora looked around again.
“Wow.
That man really needs to learn the meaning of the word ‘enough.'” Anthony’s lips twitched slightly.
“I wouldn’t advise telling him that.” “Noted.” Anthony gave her a polite nod before leaving.
The door closed behind him.
Isadora looked around her enormous new room.
Then she corrected herself.
“Apartment.” She sighed.
“Definitely an apartment.” Isadora had barely finished unpacking when she checked the time.
“Oh, no.” She quickly grabbed her bag.
“I’m going to be late.” She rushed toward the entrance, already dressed for her hospital shift.
But before she could leave, Anthony appeared in the hallway.
“Miss Matthew.” She stopped.
“Yes?” “You cannot leave.” Isadora frowned.
“…Excuse me?” “The master said you are not going to the hospital today.” Her eyes widened.
“He said what?” “He instructed me to inform you.” Isadora stared at him in disbelief.
“But why?” Anthony remained calm.
“I only follow the master’s instructions.” “Well, I don’t!” She turned toward the door.
“I have a shift.
I can’t just disappear from the hospital because Valen decided I should stay home.” “You won’t have to worry about that.” A deep voice came from behind her.
Isadora froze.
She slowly turned around.
Valen was standing at the end of the hallway.
He had just arrived, still dressed in a dark suit, his expression as calm and unreadable as ever.
Isadora stared at him.
“You.” “Yes.” “Why did you tell Anthony I couldn’t go to the hospital?” “The hospital already knows you won’t be coming.” She blinked.
“What?” “I personally called them.” Isadora’s mouth fell open.
“You called my hospital?” “Yes.” “You actually called them?” “Yes.” She stared at him as if he had just announced that he had bought the hospital.
“And they just agreed?” “I explained the situation.” “What situation?” “That you’re under my protection.” Isadora’s eyes widened.
“You make it sound like I’m some kind of VIP.” Valen simply looked at her.
“You’re a potential target.” Her expression changed slightly.
She remembered the previous night’s shooting.
“Oh…” Anthony bowed respectfully.
“Welcome back, Master.” Valen gave him a brief nod.
“Thank you.” Anthony continued.
“Dinner is ready, Master.” Valen looked at Isadora.
“Come.” She frowned.
“Where?” “Dinner.” “I was supposed to be going to the hospital.” “You’re not.” She sighed dramatically.
“I know.
You called them.” Valen turned and started walking.
Isadora followed reluctantly.
As they entered the dining room, she stopped again.
The room was just as impressive as the rest of the manor.
A long dark-wood table stood in the center, already prepared with elegant plates, silverware, crystal glasses, and several dishes arranged neatly across the table.
Warm light from the chandelier reflected off the polished table.
Isadora stared at everything.
“Do you people eat like this every day?” Valen pulled out a chair.
“Sit.” She looked at him.
“You know, you could answer a question once in your life.” “You ask too many.” “And you answer too little.” She sat down anyway.
Valen took the seat across from her.
Isadora looked at the food, then at him.
“So…” Valen raised his eyes.
“Why exactly did you bring me here if you’re going to prevent me from going to work?” “To keep you safe.” “I can take care of myself.” “You were almost shot yesterday.” She went quiet.
Valen picked up his glass.
“That argument is over.” Isadora narrowed her eyes.
“You’re very bossy.” “I know.” She sighed.
“I’m beginning to notice.” For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Isadora picked up her fork.
“Well…” She looked around the enormous dining room.
“If I’m going to be trapped here, I might as well eat.” Valen said nothing.
But the faintest hint of amusement appeared in his eyes.