Chapter 2 - The Shock at Table Nine|
The word hung in the air like a pulled trigger.
Adrien Belandi did not gasp. He did not blink. But the color drained from his weathered face so fast that the dark ink on his throat stood out like fresh bruises.
He moved with scary, fluid speed. Before the nervous nanny could step forward, Adrien was out of his chair, his tall frame towering over Evelyn. The air around him smelled of expensive tobacco, rain, and cold leather.
"What did she say to you?" Adrien’s voice was low, vibrating with a terrifying mix of grief and authority.
Evelyn swallowed hard, her heart pounding against her ribs. She looked down at little Mia, whose wide brown eyes were still locked onto hers.
"She... she said 'Sellar', sir," Evelyn whispered, her voice shaking. "At least... I think that's what it was."
The nanny behind the table let out a small, breathless shriek. "That's impossible! She hasn't spoken in twenty-four months! She doesn't speak to anyone!"
Adrien ignored the nanny entirely. His dark eyes remained fixed on Evelyn's face, scanning her as if looking for a hidden microphone or a cruel trick.
"Say it again," Adrien commanded softly, stepping closer. "Tell me exactly how she sounded."
"She tugged my apron," Evelyn stammered, holding her ground despite the sheer terror radiating off the mafia boss. "She looked at me, and she said 'Sellar'. It was barely a breath, Mr. Belandi. But she said it."
Adrien looked down at his daughter. Mia slowly lowered her hand, wrapping her small fingers around her brother Leo's sleeve. Leo looked at Evelyn, then at his father, and gave a tiny, deliberate nod.
The restaurant remained dead quiet. Adrien took a deep breath, his broad chest rising and falling heavily.
"Get your coat," Adrien told Evelyn.
May you like
Evelyn blinked, stunned. "Sir? I have four hours left on my shift—"
"You're done with your shift," Adrien interrupted, turning to his head bodyguard. "Pay the manager for her night. Buy out her contract. She comes with us."
