Chapter 5 - the sister's warning
Bianca stepped out of the shadows, her high heels clicking softly against the marble floor. Her fair skin was framed by dark, sculpted hair, and her diamond earrings caught the dim moonlight.
"You must be the new charity case Rico dragged home from the diner," Bianca said smoothly, taking a slow sip of her wine. "I give you three days before you run back to your cheap apartment."
Clara kept her posture straight, her voice calm. "I'm here for Leo, Mrs. Moretti."
"It's Miss Moretti," Bianca corrected sharply, her eyes narrowing as she looked Clara up and down. "And Leo doesn't need a waitress. He needs proper psychiatric care and a family that knows how to manage his inheritance."
Clara noticed how Bianca’s gaze lingered on the silver locket resting against her pink apron. Bianca’s jaw tightened slightly, a flash of genuine anger crossing her features.
"Take that ridiculous trinket off," Bianca demanded in a low, threatening whisper. "It’s an insult to Elena’s memory."
"It belonged to my grandmother," Clara replied firmly, refusing to back down. "I have no reason to remove it."
Bianca took a step closer, leaning in so her cold breath brushed against Clara’s ear. "Elena died in a fiery car crash six months ago, little girl. And if you keep playing mother to that boy... you might find yourself taking the same drive."
Before Clara could respond, Dante walked around the corner, his giant frame blocking the corridor light.
"Is there a problem here, Bianca?" Dante asked, his deep voice carrying an immediate warning.
Bianca straightened up, smoothing her silk dress with a fake, elegant smile. "Just welcoming our new staff, Dante. Have a good night."
She turned on her heel and glided down the hallway, her heels echoing into the distance.
Dante looked at Clara, his intimidating face unreadable. "It's late, Miss Vance. You should be in your quarters next to the nursery."
"Mr. Moretti mentioned a study," Clara said carefully, testing the waters. "Is that where the family records are kept?"
Dante’s eyes narrowed slightly. "The boss’s study is off-limits to everyone. Including you. Go to bed."
May you like
Clara nodded quietly, turning back toward Leo’s room. But as she closed the nursery door behind her, she checked her wrist watch: 11:45 PM.
Fifteen minutes until midnight.
