Chapter 184

• Emilia’s POV
• The villa was unnervingly quiet as I cracked the door open and peered into the hallway. The steady hum of distant conversation and the occasional shuffle of feet were the only indicators that the guards were still in position. My heart pounded in my chest, every thud echoing in my ears as if trying to betray me.
• I had spent the past few days carefully observing the guards’ movements, piecing together their patrol schedule and noting the blind spots in the villa’s security. It wasn’t perfect, but it was enough. If I didn’t take this chance tonight, I might never get another. Alonso had softened slightly toward me, but his determination to keep me under his watch was unwavering.