Chapter 5 - The Snake in the Penthouse
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The next morning, the entire dynamic of the Black Pelican shifted.
When Lena arrived for her shift, her manager didn't scold her. Instead, she handed Lena a sealed envelope containing a black keycard that granted unrestricted access to the private top floor. The whispers among the staff started immediately. A maid had been elevated to the King’s right hand overnight.
Lena wore a simple, dark navy dress instead of her uniform. It hugged her curves but felt professional. As she stepped off the elevator onto the penthouse floor, she braced herself for the reality of her new job.
Before she could even reach Dante’s double doors, Vivian stepped out of a side corridor, blocking her path.
Vivian wasn't wearing a silk slip today. She wore a sharp white designer suit, looking every inch the mafia princess. Two massive bodyguards flanked her.
“I heard the news,” Vivian sneered, looking Lena up and down with blatant disgust. “Dante always did have a strange habit of picking up strays.”
Lena kept her face perfectly neutral. “Excuse me, Miss Vivian. Mr. Vale is expecting me.”
Vivian stepped closer, invading Lena’s personal space. She smelled of expensive perfume and gin.
“Let’s get something straight, you little tramp,” Vivian hissed. “I don't know what kind of pity game you’re playing, but Dante is mine. We are getting married in three months to unite the families. If you think you can use your heavy hips to climb the ladder, you are severely mistaken.”
“I’m his aide,” Lena said calmly. “Nothing more.”
“You’re a target,” Vivian corrected, poking a sharp fingernail into Lena’s shoulder. “I know about your father, Lena. I know he’s at St. Jude’s. It would be a terrible shame if his treatments were suddenly... delayed because his daughter didn't know her place.”
Lena’s blood turned to ice. The threat was clear and vicious.
Before Lena could react, the heavy doors to Dante’s suite swung open.
Marcus, Dante’s underboss, stepped out. He was tall, impeccably dressed, with a charming smile that never quite reached his cold eyes.
“Is there a problem out here, ladies?” Marcus asked smoothly.
“No problem, Marcus,” Vivian smiled sweetly, stepping back. “Just welcoming the new help to the floor.”
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Marcus looked at Lena, his gaze lingering on her curves with a predatory interest. “Welcome to the top, Lena. Try not to fall.”
As Vivian and Marcus walked away down the hall, their shoulders brushing, Lena realized with sickening clarity that the penthouse wasn't a sanctuary. It was a snake pit.
