Chapter 6 - midnight in the foyer
Vanessa’s eyes widened in sheer horror. She took a step back until her lower back hit the marble desk. "Daniel... please... you don't understand! They threatened my family! They forced me into this!"
"You didn't look forced when you were standing over me on those stairs asking where the key was," Daniel said coldly.
Vanessa’s expression shifted rapidly from fear to bitter, venomous hatred. The sweet, refined fiancée act vanished completely, revealing the calculating woman beneath.
"You think you're untouchable, don't you, Daniel?" Vanessa sneered, her voice trembling with anger. "You think you rule this city from your marble castle! But the Bellandis already have three of your lieutenants in their pocket! The moment I give them the signal, this entire estate will be surrounded!"
"They won't get past the gate," a calm voice interrupted.
Grace stepped forward from the doorway, holding a small digital drive in her hand. "Mr. Whitfield, I monitored the service elevator cameras ten minutes ago. Miss Cole left the outer gate code written on a notepad in her dressing room. I already had Marcus scramble the security frequencies."
Vanessa turned her furious glare onto the maid. "You insubordinate little pest! You're nothing but a servant! How dare you meddle in things above your station!"
Vanessa suddenly lunged forward, her hand raised to strike Grace across the face.
Before her hand could make contact, Daniel moved with blinding speed. His large, tattooed hand clamped firmly around Vanessa’s wrist in mid-air, stopping her cold. The force of his grip made Vanessa gasp in pain.
"You will never lay a hand on her," Daniel growled, his blue-dark eyes burning with lethal intent. "Not in my house. Not anywhere."
He released her wrist with a cold shove, sending Vanessa stumbling back against the desk.
"Marcus!" Daniel called out.
The security chief stepped into the room instantly, accompanied by two armed guards.
"Lock Miss Cole in the third-floor guest suite," Daniel commanded. "Confiscate every electronic device, search the room thoroughly, and post two men at the door. She doesn't leave until I say so."
"You can't do this to me!" Vanessa screamed as the guards grabbed her arms, dragging her out of the study. "My father will destroy you! The Bellandis will tear this house down!"
Her desperate screams faded down the long hallway until the heavy front doors clicked shut, leaving the study in complete silence once again.
Daniel turned to Grace. His intense presence softened slightly as he looked down at the gentle woman who had stood her ground without fear.
"Are you alright, Grace?" he asked softly.
Grace took a slow, steady breath, smoothing her pale-blue apron. "I'm fine, Mr. Whitfield. Thank you."
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Daniel walked over to his desk, picking up the small platinum vault card. He looked at it, then looked back at Grace.
"It's time you learned what's actually inside this vault, Grace," Daniel said quietly. "Follow me."
