Chapter 6 - The yellow ribbon
The morning sun brought a cinematic, cold light to the Duca estate. The atmosphere was completely different. Lorenzo moved through the mansion with a terrifying, absolute calm. He was no longer a man confused by the shadows in his home; he was a master strategist setting a lethal trap.
He ordered Elena to maintain her role. She had to pretend to still be terrified, still be under Vivien’s thumb, until Lorenzo had every piece of the Moretti cartel conspiracy in his hands.
It was mid-afternoon. Vivien was lounging on the velvet sofa in the grand living room, sipping sparkling water. Mia was sitting on the carpet a few feet away, happily playing with her plush cream-colored bunny.
Vivien watched the child with a look of utter disgust. She knew her time was running out. The charity gala had been a disaster, and Lorenzo’s sudden obsession with the maid was a massive threat to her plans. She needed to break Elena permanently.
Vivien stood up, her high heels clicking on the marble floor. She walked over to Mia, reaching down and snatching the plush bunny from the little girl's hands.
Mia gasped, her big eyes filling with immediate tears. Give it back, she said softly, reaching her tiny hands up.
Vivien smiled cruelly. No. This toy is filthy. It belongs in the trash.
Mia began to cry, a loud, heartbroken wail that echoed through the mansion. Elena, who had been dusting the hallway, dropped her cloth and ran into the living room. Her heart stopped when she saw Vivien holding the bunny just inches from the roaring fireplace.
Miss Vivien, please, Elena begged, rushing forward but stopping short, remembering Lorenzo’s orders to play the victim. It’s her favorite toy. Please don't burn it.
Vivien turned to the maid, her eyes flashing with pure malice. You failed me at the gala, Elena. You made me look like a fool. This is what happens when you disobey me. I destroy the things she loves.
Vivien moved her hand closer to the flames.
Drop it, Vivien.
The voice was like ice. Vivien froze.
Lorenzo stepped out of the shadows of the adjoining study. He wasn't wearing a suit today; he wore a dark, fitted sweater and black trousers, looking incredibly dangerous and heavily muscular. He walked slowly across the room, his eyes fixed on the blonde woman.
Vivien quickly pulled the bunny away from the fire, forcing a high-pitched, fake laugh. Oh, Lorenzo, darling. I was just teasing her. The toy really is a mess, I was going to buy her a new one from Paris.
Lorenzo stopped right in front of her. He snatched the bunny from her grip with a violent, sudden force that made Vivien gasp and step back. He didn't look at her. He knelt down on the marble floor, handing the toy back to his sobbing daughter.
Mia grabbed the bunny, burying her face into Lorenzo’s neck. He picked her up, holding her securely against his chest, his large hand gently smoothing her brown curls.
You will not touch her things again, Lorenzo said, his voice perfectly even, yet carrying a threat so profound the air in the room felt heavy. And you will not speak to my staff in that tone.
Vivien’s face flushed with anger and humiliation. You are taking the side of a child and a servant over your future wife? The council will hear of this disrespect, Lorenzo.
Lorenzo stood up, holding Mia. He looked at Vivien, a chilling, dead smile crossing his handsome face. Tell them whatever you wish, Vivien. But understand this: my house, my rules. If you cannot abide by them, you are welcome to pack your bags.
He turned and walked away, carrying Mia up the stairs, leaving Vivien fuming in the center of the living room.
Elena stood by the door, keeping her head down, but inside, her heart soared. Lorenzo was protecting them.
As Vivien stormed past Elena toward the stairs, she leaned in close, her perfume suffocating. You think he saved you? Vivien whispered maliciously. He’s just playing the protective father. But tonight, I am meeting with the Moretti underboss. I am giving them your location, Elena. Say goodbye to your little girl.
May you like
Vivien shoved past her and disappeared upstairs.
Elena didn't panic. She waited until the hallway was clear, then she pulled a yellow ribbon from her apron pocket—the signal Lorenzo had told her to use. She tied it to the brass handle of the library door. The trap was set. It was time to hunt the Morettis.
