Maya's POV
The quiet that settled between us felt almost sacred, as though time had stopped beneath the canopy of stars. No yesterday, no tomorrow existed in this space. Just Sebastian and me, stripped of pretense and walls. Among all the grandeur he had shared with me - the sprawling estate, the ancient vines, the historic wine cellars - this simple moment on a hillside felt like his most precious gift.
"Do you escape here often?" I finally whispered, breaking the spell.
"When I can manage it." His eyes remained fixed on the constellation above, though I could tell his thoughts had wandered somewhere darker. "Not nearly enough. The business consumes everything."
"The vineyard operations."
"Exactly." He exhaled heavily. "The weight never lifts. My grandfather believes I'm prepared to assume complete leadership, but Geoffrey and Beatrice are fighting me at every turn. The board members are choosing sides."
