Chapter 4 - The Fraudulent Signature
Vincent walked across the dining room with a slow, deliberate stride that commanded the entire space. Marco followed two steps behind, his hand resting near his lapel.
Stopping at the admissions counter near the bar, Vincent picked up the work log and flipped it over. Tucked behind the final page was a folded, yellowed piece of carbon paper—a duplicate photocopy from the bistro's internal payroll system.
On the official ledger, Emily’s wages were recorded as "PAID IN FULL" for every single week, total amounts processed in cash.
Beside every fraudulent entry was the same sweeping authorization signature.
David Sterling’s.
Vincent slowly turned the page toward Marco, showing him the official audit trail. David stood frozen against the bar, his hands trembling violently as he tried to pick up his fallen car keys.
"Marco," Vincent said, his deep voice cutting through the room like a blade. "Close the front doors. Nobody leaves."
"Yes, Boss," Marco replied, stepping to the brass entryway and locking the heavy glass doors before pulling the shades down.
David swallowed hard, backing up against the liquor shelves. "Mr. Kane... please, this is a private business matter. The child's mother is mistaken! She was paid in cash—"
"Shut your mouth, David," Vincent interrupted, his tone so quiet and lethal that David’s voice cut off mid-sentence.
May you like
Emily rushed forward, pulling Rory behind her apron, her fair face pale with terror. "Mr. Kane, please... don't hurt anyone. I'll just leave. I won't ask for the money—"
Vincent looked at Emily, his gray-blue eyes softening with profound respect. "You won't leave, Miss Carter. But Mr. Sterling is going to answer for every single purple star on this page."
