Chapter 7
The study descended into a terrifying, electric stillness.
Renzo Moretti pulled his concealed sidearm in a fraction of a second, stepping forward to block the double doors, while two broad-shouldered security guards moved into the room, their faces hard and unyielding.
Victor Vance collapsed onto his knees on the polished white marble floor, weeping hysterically, his slick, arrogant facade completely destroyed. "Castalano! Please! I was ordered to do it! Carmine forced me—"
Vincent didn't even look at the traitor. He held the microscopic wiretap in his broad, tattooed palm, his jaw locking with a force that made his teeth ache.
He looked down at little Mia, who stood beside his black trousers, holding her plush bunny, watching the drama with wide, curious brown eyes, completely unaware that she had just exposed a major espionage operation against the Castalano family.
Vincent reached down with his left hand, gently scooping Mia up into his broad, muscular arms, holding her securely against his chest, shielding her from the trembling traitor on the floor.
"Renzo," Vincent commanded flatly, his deep voice dropping into an absolute, lethal register that chilled the blood in Vance's veins. "Remove this snake from my house. Take him to the subterranean holding cell at the docks. I will deal with Carmine Falcone personally tonight."
"Right away, Boss," Renzo acknowledged coldly, waving the two bodyguards forward to drag the screaming diplomat out of the study.
Once the double doors closed and quiet was restored to the study, Vincent set Mia down gently on the cream velvet sofa. He dropped down onto one knee in front of her, taking her small hands in his large, tattooed palms.
"You are an extraordinary boss, Mia," Vincent murmured softly, his dark eyes filled with profound, genuine gratitude. "You just saved this family millions of dollars."
At that moment, Clara burst through the side door, her mint-green maid dress rustling, her face pale with worry after hearing the noise from the hallway.
"Mia! Oh, sweetie, are you okay?" Clara gasped, rushing over to the sofa.
Vincent stood up smoothly to his full, towering height. He looked down at Clara, his piercing dark eyes held an intense, unshakeable promise of protection and respect.
"Clara," Vincent spoke, his deep baritone carrying an absolute decree. "From this second forward, you are no longer a housemaid in this estate."
Clara froze, her hands clutching her white lace apron, tears instantly welling in her eyes. "Mr. Castalano... please... I am so sorry—"
May you like
"You misunderstand me, Clara," Vincent interrupted gently, laying his broad, tattooed hand over hers. "You are appointed as the Chief Director of Estate Operations. You and Mia will move into the master residential suite on the third floor today. You will have full executive authority, a full salary, and permanent protection for the rest of your lives."
Clara looked into his handsome, bearded face, her lips parting as tears of pure, overwhelming joy and relief spilled over her cheeks. "Vincent... thank you... thank you so much..."
