Chapter 3 - Framed in Shadow
Within sixty seconds, heavy steel security shutters descended over every window and exterior door of the Moretti mansion. Red emergency accent lights illuminated the grand hallways as Marco’s tactical guards moved swiftly into defensive positions.
Damien stood at the foot of the grand staircase, holding Lily’s hand, while Eva stood nervously behind them. Marco descended the stairs holding a small, silver encrypted flash drive that he had just retrieved from the open vault upstairs.
"The main safe was accessed three minutes ago, Boss," Marco reported, his voice low and disciplined through his earpiece. "Whoever opened it knew the secondary bypass code."
Selene walked up to Damien, her diamond earrings catching the red security light. Her voice was sharp with staged indignation. "Damien, this maid and her child have been wandering around the estate all evening! Eva probably stole my access card while she was turning down the bed in the guest suite!"
Eva gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. "I didn't! I swear on my life, Mr. Moretti, I've never touched Miss Selene's belongings!"
"She's lying!" Selene demanded coldly. "Marco, search her quarters immediately and throw her off the property!"
Lily stepped out from behind Damien, her small pink dress swaying as she stood directly in front of her mother. She pointed a brave finger at Selene. "The mean lady is lying! She put something in Mommy’s apron pocket when we were in the hallway before dinner!"
Damien’s eyes narrowed into dark slits. He looked at Marco. "Check Eva's apron."
Marco stepped forward respectfully and pulled a small, folded piece of paper from Eva's apron pocket. He unfolded it and handed it to Damien.
It was a handwritten note listing the private entry codes to the Moretti family's offshore holding accounts—written in elegant calligraphy that clearly matched Selene's handwriting.
Selene backed away a step, her chest heaving as she realized her attempt to frame the housemaid had failed miserably.
"You tried to plant this on a maid, Selene?" Damien asked, his voice a low, terrifying rumble. "Why were you inside my private vault tonight?"
"Damien, listen to me—" Selene stammered, her regal composure fracturing completely.
May you like
"Marco," Damien commanded, ignoring her pleas. "Escort Miss Hart to the west suite. Place two guards outside her door. She does not leave that room until I have answers."
As Marco led a furious, protesting Selene away down the hall, Damien turned to Marco's secondary officer. "Bring the drive to my study. I want to see what was downloaded."
