Chapter 7 - The Shadow in the Mirror
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Beatrice reached the third-floor study through the hidden staircase built into the mansion’s frame.
Vincenzo sat at his desk, perfectly healthy, wearing a simple black turtleneck and watching four live security feeds on his monitors. Luca stood beside him, checking the action on his custom sidearm.
Beatrice handed the digital recorder to Luca.
“She signed it,” Beatrice said, her voice steady. “Rossi promised her thirty percent of the offshore accounts once his men take the East Coast docks tonight.”
Vincenzo listened to the recording. A cold, satisfied smile touched his lips as Evelyn’s recorded voice played through the high-end speakers.
“Excellent work, Beatrice,” Vincenzo said. He stood up and walked over to her, stopping just inches away. “You have a remarkable talent for being everywhere without anyone noticing.”
“People don't look at maids, Mr. Costa,” Beatrice said softly. “They only look at what we clean up.”
Vincenzo reached out, his long fingers gently catching her chin, forcing her to look up into his dark eyes.
“That changes today,” he said softly. “You’re not cleaning up my house anymore, Beatrice. You’re helping me tear theirs down.”
Beatrice felt a sudden, sharp heat rush through her chest. For six years, she had watched him from afar—a distant, dangerous prince who moved in worlds of blood and gold. But looking at him now, feeling the steady strength of his hand, she realized he saw her as something far more than a servant.
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“What’s the next step?” she asked, her voice steady.
“Tonight, Rossi’s men are going to attack my docks,” Vincenzo said, his grip loosening as he turned toward his security chief. “And we are going to give them a welcome they will never forget.”
