CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY SEVEN – PREP TIME

The day of the visit arrived, and tension filled the air. Rebecca's parents, Malcolm and Catherine Harrison, arrived promptly at 7 PM. "Rebecca, darling!" Catherine exclaimed, embracing her daughter. "Oh, look at you! You're positively glowing." Malcolm hung back, eyeing Luca warily. "Mr. Castelli," he said stiffly. "Please, call me Luca," Luca replied, extending his hand. Malcolm shook it briefly. As they sat down to dinner, an uncomfortable silence settled over the table. Rebecca tried to break the ice. "So, Mom, Dad, how was your trip?" "Oh, it was fine, dear," Catherine said. "Though I must say, we were a bit... surprised by the security checks at the gate." Luca cleared his throat. "My apologies. We take safety very seriously here." Malcolm's eyes narrowed. "Yes, I imagine you would, given your... profession." Rebecca tensed. "Dad, please—" "No, it's alright," Luca interrupted. "Mr. Harrison, I understand your concerns. But I assure you, my family's safety is my top prio