Chapter 3 - THE WOMAN WHO OWNED THE BUILDING
Serena Vance entered Kowalik's Pies on a Tuesday afternoon.
She wore cream-colored trousers, a cashmere sweater, and sunglasses that cost more than Rose's commercial mixer.
She examined the bakery as though inspecting a house she intended to condemn.
"Charming," Serena said.
Rose stood behind the counter.
"Can I help you?"
"You're Rose."
"Depends who's asking."
"Serena Vance."
Rose felt her stomach tighten.
Serena removed her sunglasses.
"I understand you've been entertaining Luca."
Rose blinked.
"He's bought coffee."
"How sweet."
Serena looked at the display case.
"Do you have anything without sugar?"
"Water."
Serena smiled thinly.
"I see why he finds you amusing."
Rose folded her arms.
"Did you come to buy something?"
"I came to discuss your lease."
Serena placed a folder on the counter.
The notice inside informed Rose that her tenancy would not be renewed when the current term expired.
She had sixty days to vacate.
Rose read it twice.
"My lease has an extension option."
"Subject to conditions."
"I've met them."
Serena shrugged.
"Our attorneys disagree."
Rose looked up.
"You can't simply throw us out."
"Actually, we can."
Serena's gaze moved over Rose's body.
"And perhaps it's time you found work that requires a little less tasting."
Rose went still.
Dana, working near the espresso machine, turned sharply.
Serena smiled.
"Just friendly advice."
Rose placed the folder on the counter.
"Get out."
Serena raised her eyebrows.
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me."
"I own this building."
"And I operate this business. Unless you're purchasing something, our conversation is finished."
Serena's smile disappeared.
"You should be careful."
Rose met her eyes.
"About what?"
"Men like Luca don't marry women like you."
The words landed harder than Rose wanted to admit.
Not because she believed them.
Because she had heard variations of them her entire life.
Too big.
Too loud.
Too much.
Never the kind of woman someone important would choose.
Rose opened the door.
"Have a lovely afternoon."
Serena stepped outside.
Before leaving, she turned.
"Enjoy your remaining sixty days."
The bell rang.
Rose closed the door.
Dana approached.
"Are you okay?"
Rose looked at the lease notice.
"No."
Then she straightened.
"But I will be."
That evening, Luca arrived.
Rose placed the folder in front of him.
"Your ex-fiancée wants my bakery."
He read the notice.
His expression darkened.
"I'll handle it."
Rose shook her head.
"No."
"Rose—"
"I need legal help, not a man frightening someone into leaving me alone."
Luca looked at her.
For several seconds, he said nothing.
Then he nodded.
"All right."
She blinked.
"All right?"
"I know an excellent commercial attorney. I'll give you her number. You decide whether to call."
Rose studied him.
"You're surprisingly reasonable for a terrifying criminal."
His smile vanished.
"Don't mistake me for a good man."
May you like
Rose leaned against the counter.
"Then don't give me reasons to."
