The maid hesitated, attempting a gentle refusal. “Ms. Rosario, could you please stay in the room next door? It also has excellent lighting.”

Johanna wandered the room, her gaze settling on a half-used bottle of sunscreen on the table. Such an item could only belong to a woman. Feigning curiosity, she asked, “Who stayed here before? This sunscreen must have been left by the previous guest, right?”

The maid nodded curtly. “Yes,” she replied, offering no further information.

Johanna didn't press the issue. Smiling, she said, “I’ll stay in this room. Please tidy it up for me and discard anything unnecessary, thank you!” She then let the sunscreen slip from her hand, allowing it to fall into the trash with a dull thud.

The maid appeared even more uncomfortable, hesitating before gently advising, “Ms. Rosario, without Mr. Russell’s approval, we are not permitted to make such decisions. I must insist you take the room next door. All the guest rooms are similarly decorated, so there is little difference.”

Johanna’s patience was wearing thin after being refused twice. However, her graceful demeanor remained unperturbed. Smiling sweetly, yet firmly, she replied, “And what if I insist on staying in this room?”

“Then I’ll have to obtain permission from Mr. Russell,” the maid responded evenly.

As if summoned, Stephan appeared. His brows furrowed at the sight of Johanna in Felicia’s former room. Without hesitation, he ordered, “Move her to the first floor. She is not allowed upstairs.” He then strode toward his master bedroom, changed into fresh clothes, and left the villa without a backward glance. The rumble of his sleek black car faded down the driveway.

Johanna had no choice but to accept a first-floor room. The sprawling mountainside villa was immense. The first floor accommodated not only guest rooms but also entertainment areas such as a private theater and game room. The basement housed a gym, staff quarters, and utilities.

But Stephan’s words were more than just room assignment; they were a clear boundary. The second floor was his private domain, apparently accessible to someone else, but firmly closed to her.

Johanna felt a pang of frustration, but quickly composed herself. Accompanying Stephan to Khogend was a significant step forward. She needed only time and patience.

“Slow and steady wins the race,” she whispered. She aimed for more than just his side; she desired his heart, his everything.

Renewing her resolve, she smoothed her expression into a gracious smile. She even apologized to the maid, politely requesting permission to explore the villa.

“Would you like me to guide you, or would you prefer to explore independently?” the maid asked, her tone professional yet slightly warmer.

“I’ll wander alone. Thank you,” Johanna replied, setting off in a random direction.

The mountainside estate lived up to its name, sprawling across the mountain. Pathways lined with rare and exotic plants lent an air of refined luxury.

While strolling, she spotted a small dog playing with a colorful ball on the manicured lawn. It was Cloud, the dog that had snarled at her earlier. The maid had mentioned it belonged to Stephan. Johanna found it hard to believe. How could someone so obsessed with cleanliness own a pet?

Before she could contemplate further, the ball rolled to her feet. Cloud barked twice, wanting its toy but hesitant to approach. Animals sensed human emotions, and despite Johanna's arrival with its master, Cloud instinctively kept its distance.

Johanna’s lips curled into a cool smile.