Chapter 5
The brass doorknob of the library rattled, a sharp, metallic sound that signaled the end of their private conversation. Elena acted with lightning speed. With a sharp tug, she pulled Clara’s grey sleeve down over the ornate gold bracelet, smoothing the fabric until not a single glint of yellow gold or dark stone remained visible.
“Wipe your face,” Elena whispered harshly, gesturing to the box of tissues on the mahogany desk. “Compose yourself, Clara. If you break down now, we are both dead.”
Clara scrubbed at her damp cheeks with a tissue, forcing her breathing to slow down as the heavy oak doors swung open. Rafael Vance strode into the library, his tailored charcoal suit fitting his lean frame with predatory perfection. His dark hair was slicked back, and his sharp, calculating eyes immediately scanned the room, taking in Elena’s rigid posture and the young maid standing nervously by the desk with a dust rag in hand.
“Is there a problem here, Mother?” Rafael asked, his voice smooth, carrying an underlying edge of condescension. He walked slowly toward them, his leather-soled shoes clicking rhythmically against the Persian rug. “I heard raised voices from the hallway. I trust our domestic staff isn’t forgetting her place.”
Elena turned to face her stepson, her expression instantly shifting into a mask of aristocratic cool. She smoothed the front of her beige silk blouse, projecting an aura of absolute authority that masked the seismic shift that had just occurred in her life.
“There is no problem, Rafael,” Elena replied evenly, holding his gaze without flinching. “Clara merely knocked over a crystal inkwell while dusting the shelves. I was reminding her to exercise greater care with family property.”
Rafael’s eyes flicked over to Clara, who kept her head bowed respectfully, her hands folded neatly over her apron. He sneered slightly, clearly unimpressed by the drama of a spilled inkwell. “Clumsiness is unacceptable in this house. If she cannot handle basic maintenance, dismiss her and hire someone competent. We have more important matters to discuss regarding the board meeting tomorrow.”
“I will handle her discipline as I see fit,” Elena countered, her voice dropping an octave, establishing a boundary that even Rafael dared not cross too aggressively.
Rafael chuckled, a dry, humorless sound, before turning on his heel. “As you wish. Just ensure the staff stays out of the east wing archives. I left sensitive documents out on the main table.” With a final, lingering look at Clara, Rafael turned and walked out of the room, letting the heavy doors slam shut behind him.
May you like
Clara let out a long, shuddering breath, her knees nearly buckling beneath her. Elena caught her arm, steadying her with a grip that was no longer punitive, but protective.
“He suspects nothing yet,” Elena murmured, her eyes burning with a newly found determination. “But we have very little time. Meet me in the greenhouse tonight at midnight. We need to talk about your real family.”
