Chapter 2 - The Crest on the Cap
The silence in the dining room was absolute, heavy enough to weigh down the air. Vincent slowly stood up from the mahogany table, his broad shoulders filling the space. The dark ink on his neck flexed as he turned his full attention toward his younger brother.
Julian took a subtle step back into the shadow of the hallway, his hands twitching near his suit pockets. "Vincent... don't listen to a six-year-old maid's kid. She doesn't know what she's talking about."
"She knows the family crest, Julian," Vincent said, his deep voice dangerously calm. He held up the small bottle, the silver cap catching the sunlight. "Only three people have keys to the vault in my study. Me, my chief of security, and you."
Vanessa made a quick move toward the terrace doors, her heels clicking against the marble floor, but Vincent didn't even look at her. "Sit down, Vanessa."
She stopped dead in her tracks, trembling in her champagne silk dress, and slowly lowered herself into a chair, her head bowed in terror.
Maria pulled Emma behind her back, her heart hammering against her ribs. "Mr. Moretti, please... we didn't mean to cause trouble. Emma just—"
"Maria," Vincent interrupted smoothly, his eyes never leaving Julian. "You and your daughter did the right thing. Stay where you are."
Julian tried to laugh, but it came out as a strained, nervous cough. "Vincent, this is absurd! Why would I poison you? I'm your brother! Someone must have stolen the bottle from your study!"
"We'll find out," Vincent replied quietly. He raised his hand and tapped his luxury watch twice.
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Within ten seconds, three broad-shouldered security men in dark suits stepped into the dining room from the side entrances, their presence instantly cutting off all exit routes.
"Take Julian to the study," Vincent ordered, his cold gaze shifting back to Vanessa. "And bring my fiancée upstairs as well. We're going to have a family discussion."
