Chapter 2
Chapter 2: The Audit of Cruelty
Mrs. Caruso stood paralyzed, her hands trembling as she clutched her apron.
“I… I have no idea what that file refers to, Mr. Valentino,” she stammered.
Dante didn’t look at her. He remained crouched near Arya, his gaze fixed on the clipboard as if he were reading a death warrant.
“You managed the accounts,” Dante said coldly.
“You approved the discretionary payments,” he added.
“And yet, a woman who saved my father’s life twenty years ago has been denied the care my family owes her,” he finished.
Arya felt as though the floor were tilting.
“She saved your father?” she whispered.
Dante finally looked at her. His eyes were no longer cold; they were dark with a history Arya couldn't have imagined.
“Elena Mitchell was a head nurse,” he said.
“When my father was betrayed by his partners, she was the only one who didn’t look away,” he continued.
“She didn’t just save his life; she hid the documents that kept our family from total ruin,” he explained.
“And you,” Dante said, finally rising to look at Mrs. Caruso, “erased her existence from my ledger.”
Mrs. Caruso backed away toward the door.
“I was only protecting the budget, sir!” she cried out.
“The budget is mine to decide, not yours to embezzle,” Dante replied.
He turned to the doorway.
“Guards,” he called out.
Two men in suits appeared instantly.
“Escort Mrs. Caruso to the security office,” Dante ordered.
“And lock her files,” he said.
“I will be conducting a full audit of this house by sunset,” he added.
Mrs. Caruso tried to protest, but the guards gripped her arms.
“You’re making a mistake, sir!” she shrieked.
“You’re listening to a maid over a decade of loyal service!” she shouted.
Dante didn’t even acknowledge her exit.
He turned back to Arya, who was still kneeling on the rug.
May you like
“Stand up, Arya,” he said gently.
“You are no longer a maid in this house,” he commanded.
