Chapter 7 - Shadows in the Estate
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The following afternoon, the estate was bustling with an unusual amount of activity. Vivian had invited several high-ranking members of the Russo organization to the house, claiming they needed to discuss "administrative continuity" while Damian was indisposed.
Maya was assigned to serve coffee and pastries in the grand library.
She pushed the silver service cart into the room, keeping her head bowed. Vivian sat on a velvet sofa, sipping a mimosa. Across from her sat Silas, Damian’s cousin and one of his most trusted lieutenants. Silas was a sharp-featured man who always wore expensive suits and a patronizing smile.
"The transition needs to happen by the end of the week, Silas," Vivian said, her voice hushed but impatient.
"You need to slow down, Viv," Silas warned, glancing toward the door. "If we move too fast, the capos will get suspicious. Damian is still breathing. He’s crippled, but his mind is sharp. He still holds the voting shares."
Maya silently poured a cup of black coffee, her hands moving mechanically while her mind memorized every single word.
"He's heavily medicated," Vivian scoffed, waving her hand dismissively. "He barely remembers what day it is. I had the lawyer draw up the power of attorney yesterday. Once he signs it, I control the estate, and you control the shipping ports. Just like we agreed."
Silas leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "And if he refuses to sign?"
"He won't," Vivian smiled, a cold, venomous expression. "I'll convince him it's for his own good. And if he puts up a fight, I'll just increase his dosage until he doesn't know the difference between a pen and a spoon."
Maya’s hand trembled slightly, causing a silver spoon to clatter against a porcelain saucer.
The sharp sound echoed in the quiet library.
Vivian’s head snapped toward her, her eyes narrowing into vicious slits. "What are you doing? I thought I told the staff we were not to be disturbed!"
"I apologize, Miss Mercer," Maya whispered, quickly grabbing the cart handle. "I was just refreshing the coffee."
May you like
"Get out," Silas snarled, his eyes dark with suspicion. "And if you breathe a word of what you heard in here, you'll disappear."
Maya bowed her head and hurried out of the room, her heart pounding violently against her ribs. She had to get to Damian.
