Chapter 6 - the trap at the fountain
Morning broke over Lake Como in brilliant shades of gold and blue. The morning sun sparkled off the central stone fountain in the courtyard, where four-year-old Sadie sat on the marble rim, drawing in a new sketchbook Roman had gifted her that morning.
Standing fifty yards away under the arched stone colonnade was Graham Pierce, watching the little girl with cold, calculating intensity. He held a leather briefcase under his arm, his charcoal suit immaculate as always.
Roman stepped out from the main entrance, his white embroidered suit catching the morning light. He walked down the stone path, stopping beside Graham.
"She's a perceptive child," Graham murmured, gesturing toward Sadie. "It's dangerous to have civilian children wandering around an active syndicate estate, Roman."
"She isn't a civilian child, Graham," Roman said smoothly, staring out at the water fountain. "She's Victor Vale's goddaughter's child. Which makes her family under our charter."
Graham’s posture locked rigid for a fraction of a second. His hand tightened around the handle of his briefcase. "I don't know what you mean."
"My father's 2006 ledger was missing three land deeds this morning, Graham," Roman continued, his voice dropping into a dangerous, icy timbre. "The deeds that transfer thirty percent of our northern shipping terminals into the Cole family trust."
Graham turned his head slowly, his eyes narrowing. "Are you accusing me of tampering with old family archives, Roman? After twenty years of loyal service to your father and to you?"
"I'm not accusing you, Graham," Roman said, turning to face him directly, his broad frame blocking the morning sun. "I am giving you until 5:00 PM today to return those deeds to my desk. Or the inner council will review the boathouse security logs from yesterday afternoon."
Graham offered a cold, razor-thin smile. "The council respects results, Roman. They don't care about old papers signed by dead men. You would do well to remember that before you fracture this family over a maid and her child."
May you like
Graham turned and walked toward his sedan parked in the driveway, his footfalls heavy against the gravel.
Roman watched him leave, his dark eyes burning with unyielding authority. The line had been drawn in the sand. Graham was no longer trying to hide his betrayal—he was preparing for a open power struggle.
