Chapter 5
Grace’s POV
I step out of the car the moment it comes to a stop in front of a large house. Though impressive in size, it’s nowhere near as grand as the mansion we had just left. My eyes sweep the surroundings, taking in every detail. I notice there’s security here as well, but the number of guards is much smaller compared to what I saw at the mansion.
"Where are we?" I ask, my voice tinged with apprehension as the two men who had—quite literally—dragged me away from my father under Elio’s orders, position themselves on either side of me like sentinels.
They exchange glances, completely ignoring my question. One of them gives me a light shove, urging me forward.
Damn it… I think to myself, irritated by their silent treatment.
With a resigned sigh, I start walking toward the entrance, trying to avoid being pushed again. I’m caught off guard when the door swings open suddenly, revealing a woman who looks to be around my father’s age. From her attire, I quickly gather that she’s the housekeeper. Her smile widens when her eyes meet mine, but I’m unsure how to respond. I still don’t fully understand why I’m here. Am I a hostage, held by Elio until my father finds a way to rescue me? Or am I merely a guest in this twisted arrangement?
"I’ll take it from here, boys," the woman says confidently, addressing the two men. Her voice is calm, yet authoritative, surprising me with how easily she dismisses them.
One of the men to my left opens his mouth to object. "But ma'am, she's the daughter of—" he begins, but he stops mid-sentence when the housekeeper raises her hand, silencing him with a simple gesture.
"The master has already informed me of her identity," she says with a cool confidence. "I know who she is. You may leave now."
Her tone is so assured, so commanding, that I can’t help but feel a grudging respect for her. It’s clear she’s someone who doesn’t shy away from standing her ground, even with Elio’s henchmen. The two men exchange glances again, then back off without another word.
The woman takes me by the arm, gently yet firmly, and leads me inside. The house is warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the cold detachment I felt in the car.
"I’m Eleonor," she introduces herself with a bright smile. "You and I are going to get along just fine."
I offer her a tentative smile in return. "I’m Grace Caruso," I say, though it feels strange introducing myself here, in such unfamiliar circumstances.
She nods knowingly, as if she’s already heard everything there is to know about me. "I know," she says kindly. "Let me show you to your room. You’ll be staying here for the time being."
The ease with which she says that last part—the time being—sends a chill down my spine. I follow her up a grand staircase, my thoughts swirling. What does she mean by that? How long am I supposed to stay here? Days? Weeks? Longer?
As we walk through the hallways, I notice how meticulously kept everything is—spotless floors, pristine walls adorned with tasteful art. This place, though not as large as the mansion, exudes a quiet elegance. But there’s something about it that feels eerily like a gilded cage.
"So," Eleonor begins as we walk, "I understand you might be feeling confused, maybe even scared. But there’s no need to worry. I’m here to make sure you’re comfortable during your stay."
"Comfortable?" I echo, incredulous. "I was just taken from my father against my will. I don’t think comfort is high on my list of concerns right now."
Eleonor glances at me over her shoulder, her expression softening. "I understand. Truly, I do. But trust me when I say it could be far worse. Elio isn’t known for showing mercy to those who betray him, but you… you’re special."
"Special?" I frown. "How?"
She stops in front of a large, intricately carved door and opens it, gesturing for me to enter. The room beyond is lavish, far more luxurious than I had expected—a large bed with plush linens, a seating area, and a window that offers a sweeping view of the estate’s gardens.
"You’re his leverage," she says quietly as she closes the door behind us. "Your father made a mistake. Elio is holding you to make sure he learns his lesson. But… he’s also giving you a chance. He wouldn’t keep you here if he didn’t see something in you."
I cross my arms, trying to make sense of her words. "What do you mean?"
Eleonor sighs and sits down on the edge of the bed, looking up at me with a kind but serious expression. "Elio is dangerous, no doubt. But he’s not without reason. If he wanted to hurt you, he would’ve done so by now. Instead, he’s placed you here, in a house, not a cell. There’s a reason for that."
I sit down in a nearby chair, feeling the weight of her words. "So, what now? Am I supposed to wait until my father can figure out how to save me?"
Eleonor tilts her head slightly. "Maybe. Or maybe there’s more to this than just waiting. Elio is testing your father’s loyalty, yes. But he’s also watching you."
"Watching me?" My heart skips a beat. "For what?"
She smiles faintly. "That, I don’t know. But I wouldn’t underestimate him, Grace. Elio has a way of seeing people for who they truly are."
I shudder at the thought. If this is a game of power and manipulation, I have no idea what role I’m supposed to play. But one thing is clear: I’m not just a hostage in this situation. I’m a piece on Elio’s chessboard, and I have no idea how the game will unfold.