Chapter 13 - Suspicion Takes Root
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In the grand dining hall, crystal chandeliers cast a brilliant light over the long oak table. Evelyn sat at the head, with Lord Vance on her right and Vanessa on her left.
Vanessa was wearing an ostentatious crimson velvet gown, trying her absolute best to charm Lord Vance.
"Lord Vance, my father speaks so highly of your venture firm," Vanessa gushed, pouring him a glass of water. "We really must discuss Hale Development's new luxury resort project later tonight."
Lord Vance, a sharp man of sixty-five with silver hair and piercing blue eyes, nodded politely. "I only invest in integrity, Miss Hale. Projects come and go, but character is permanent."
At that moment, the double doors of the kitchen swung open.
Adrian walked in, wearing his pristine white chef's jacket, holding a large silver tray containing four perfectly plated portions of beef Wellington.
Vanessa rolled her eyes. "Finally. The help decides to grace us with food."
Adrian approached the table, keeping his face turned slightly away as he placed the dish in front of Lord Vance.
Lord Vance took one look at the dish, then looked up at the man serving it. He froze. His fork hovered in mid-air.
"Adrian...?" Lord Vance murmured, his voice laced with absolute shock. "What in God's name are you doing wearing an apron?"
Vanessa frowned, laughing nervously. "Lord Vance, I think you're mistaken. That's just Adrian, our temporary cook. He's... well, he's just hired staff."
Lord Vance stared at Vanessa as if she had lost her mind. Then he looked at Evelyn, who sat quietly, taking a delicate sip of her wine with a small, knowing smile.
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"Hired staff?" Lord Vance exclaimed, laughing loudly. "Miss Hale, this is Adrian Mercer! The Chief Executive Officer of Mercer Global Holdings! He owns this estate, he owns my investment fund, and he probably owns the bank your father owes money to!"
Vanessa’s breath caught in her throat. The world around her seemed to stop spinning.
