Chapter 5 - The truth in the study
The heavy oak doors of Adrian’s private study clicked shut, sealing them inside. The room was lined with dark wood shelves and illuminated by warm brass lamps, creating a secluded, intimate space. Adrian walked over to a crystal decanter, his movements slow and deliberate. He poured two glasses of amber liquid, walked back across the plush rug, and set one glass on the small table next to the leather armchair where Claire was sitting.
Claire did not touch the glass. She sat rigidly, her eyes fixed on the massive mahogany desk. Her breathing was tight, her micro-expressions shifting between deep sorrow and fierce maternal protection.
Adrian leaned against the edge of his desk, crossing his arms over his chest. The black ink of his tattoos peeked out from his collar, a stark contrast to his refined clothing. He looked at her with piercing blue eyes, waiting for her to speak.
"James didn't want the family to know," Claire started, her voice barely above a whisper. "We met four years ago. I was just a waitress in town. He started coming in every night. We fell in love, but he was terrified of what your enemies would do if they found out he had a weakness. When I got pregnant with Nora, he panicked."
Adrian’s facial muscles barely moved, but a heavy sadness settled in his eyes. He had always known James was softer than him, less suited for the brutal life of the Connecticut mafia.
"He moved me into this estate as a maid," Claire continued, a tear finally slipping down her fair cheek. "He said it was the safest place. Hiding in plain sight. No one would ever suspect the boss's brother was in love with the hired help. We were planning to run away. He gave me that pocket watch the night before he left for the harbor meeting. He told me if he didn't come back, I was to keep my head down, do my job, and never tell you the truth."
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"Why?" Adrian asked, his voice cracking slightly. "Why would he tell you to hide from me? I am his brother. I would have protected you."
Claire looked up, her blue eyes meeting his cold stare. "Because James didn't think the harbor explosion was an accident caused by your rivals, Mr. Cole. He thought someone inside this house ordered the hit. He told me not to trust anyone. Not even you."
