Chapter 6 - A Shadow in the Study
It was mid-afternoon when Grace realized something was wrong.
She was dusting the hallway near Adrian’s private study.
She heard a soft, metallic click.
Mr. Moretti was supposed to be out at a meeting, and Marcus was on perimeter duty.
Grace approached the heavy oak doors slowly.
They were slightly ajar.
She peeked inside and saw a shadow moving near the safe behind Adrian’s desk.
It was Veronica.
She was typing a sequence into the digital keypad of the floor safe.
Grace’s breath caught in her throat.
She stepped back, trying to slip away unnoticed, but her foot grazed a wooden side table.
The vase on top rattled loudly.
Veronica whipped around, her eyes locking onto the doorway.
“Who is there?” she demanded.
Grace froze.
She had two choices: run, which would prove she was spying, or face her.
Grace stepped into the doorway, her duster in hand.
“Just me, Ms. Sterling. I was cleaning the hallway.”
Veronica’s eyes narrowed into dangerous slits.
She walked slowly from behind the desk, her high heels clicking on the hardwood floor.
“Did Mr. Moretti ask you to spy on me, Grace?”
“No, ma'am. I was just doing my job.”
Veronica stopped inches from Grace’s face.
The sweet, loving fiancée mask was completely gone.
In its place was something cold, sharp, and utterly ruthless.
“You’ve been a very annoying thorn in my side, Grace.”
“I don't know what you mean.”
“Your brat ruined my evening last night,” Veronica hissed.
“And now you are lurking around doors you shouldn't be looking through.”
Grace held her ground, thinking of Lily.
“I apologize if I disturbed you. I will leave you to your business.”
She turned to walk away, but Veronica grabbed her arm with surprising strength.
“Listen to me very carefully, maid,” Veronica whispered.
“Adrian is a powerful man, but his time is coming to an end. The tides are shifting.”
Veronica’s grip tightened, her manicured nails digging into Grace’s skin.
“If you know what is good for you and that little girl of yours, you will pack your bags and leave this house tonight.”
Grace looked down at the hand holding her, then back up into Veronica’s eyes.
“I only take orders from Mr. Moretti.”
She pulled her arm free.
“Have a pleasant afternoon, Ms. Sterling.”
Grace walked away, her heart hammering against her ribs.
She didn't run until she was safely in the kitchen.
She grabbed the house phone and dialed Marcus’s direct line.
May you like
“Marcus,” Grace breathed when he answered.
“She’s in his safe.”
