“I’m sorry, ma’am. I can’t say when he’ll return. Please check again tomorrow. Thank you.”His voice was polite and steady, yet beneath the formality lingered an unexpected softness.

He inclined his head in a measured bow, then added carefully, “And ma’am, please refrain from laundering the CEO’s suit in the future. If he were to discover it, he would be displeased and there may be consequences for us.”

Cleopatra blinked. Her lips twitched despite herself, a smile threatening to surface at the quiet concern woven into his words. So even the most stoic of bodyguards possessed a heart, however well hidden.

She forced the smile away, swallowing the sharp sting...