CHAPTER FIFTY NINE – OFFICE GOSSIP

As she changed out of her uniform, Rebecca overheard Valentina and Chiara talking in hushed tones. "Did you see how Mr. Castelli kept checking on her?" Valentina whispered. Chiara snorted. "Please. You know how he is with new staff. Remember when Paolo started? He was all over him too." "Yeah, but Paolo didn't arrive with a personal tour from the boss," Valentina countered. Rebecca cleared her throat as she emerged from the changing room, causing the two women to jump apart guiltily. "Goodnight," Rebecca said, trying to keep her voice neutral. "Night," they mumbled in unison, avoiding eye contact. As Rebecca left the café and made her way back through the estate, her mind was whirling. She was grateful for the job and for Luca's kindness, but she couldn't shake the feeling that she had stepped into a complicated web of relationships and expectations. The sun was setting as she reached the gates, casting long shadows across the manicured lawns. Rebecca took one last look at the