Chapter 5 - Cleaning the House
By evening, the Moretti estate was quiet. The storm of betrayal had passed through the halls, leaving behind a cold, clear reality.
Vincent sat in his study, holding a crystal glass of amber scotch. The sun was setting over the Chicago skyline, casting long red shadows across his mahogany desk. The ring that had belonged to Vanessa sat on the blotter, its large diamond reflecting the dying light.
A quiet knock sounded at the door. Maria stepped inside, wearing her fresh black-and-white maid uniform, her hands clasped nervously in front of her apron.
"Mr. Moretti," Maria said softly. "I've finished clearing the dining room. I came to ask... when would you like us to pack our things?"
Vincent raised an eyebrow, setting his glass down. "Pack your things? Why would you pack?"
Maria lowered her eyes. "Because... we know too much now, sir. We saw what happened with your brother and Miss Vanessa. I know how your family operates. I assumed you would want us gone."
Vincent stood up from his chair, walking over to the floor-to-ceiling window. He looked down at the courtyard, where little Emma was sitting on a stone bench under the supervision of a guard, playing with her rabbit.
"Maria," Vincent said, turning to face her. "My own brother tried to murder me for money. My fiancée tried to poison me for power. The only two people in this house who showed me absolute loyalty today were you and your six-year-old daughter."
May you like
He walked closer to Maria, his broad frame imposing, yet his posture entirely respectful.
"You are not leaving this estate," Vincent declared firmly. "As of today, your salary is tripled. You are no longer a general housemaid. You are the head of residential management. And Emma will have full access to the private tutors who visit the estate."
