Chapter 8 - The Cornered Snake
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At 4:00 P.M., Evelyn grew restless.
She walked through the grand corridors of the mansion, checking doors and ordering the staff around with sharp, cruel commands. She was nervous—the high-stakes tension of treason was beginning to wear on her nerves.
She stepped into the butler’s pantry, where Beatrice was quietly polishing silver platters.
Evelyn stopped in the doorway, crossing her arms, her blue eyes sharp and suspicious.
“You,” Evelyn spat, looking down at Beatrice’s simple gray uniform. “Why are you still here? The house is being shut down. You should be packing your bags.”
Beatrice didn't drop her head. She set her polishing cloth down and looked straight into Evelyn’s eyes.
“Mr. Costa paid my salary through the end of the month, Miss Kensington,” Beatrice said calmly. “I finish my work before I leave.”
Evelyn took a step closer, her voice dropping into a venomous whisper. “Vincenzo is dying. His money is gone. Your little loyal routine isn't going to get you a bonus, maid.”
“Mr. Costa has survived worse than bad coffee, Miss Kensington,” Beatrice replied, keeping her tone completely flat.
Evelyn froze. Her eyes widened in a sudden, terrifying flash of paranoia.
“What did you say?” Evelyn hissed, reaching out to grab Beatrice’s arm. “What did you say about coffee?!”
Before Evelyn’s manicured hand could touch her, Luca stepped into the pantry, his massive frame completely filling the door frame.
“Is there a problem here, Miss Kensington?” Luca asked, his hand resting casually inside his suit jacket.
May you like
Evelyn snapped her hand back, her face going pale. She glared at Beatrice, then scoffed and pushed past Luca into the hallway.
“Watch that one, Luca,” Evelyn called over her shoulder. “She’s stepping out of line.”
