Chapter 8 - The Search for the Cellar|
The next afternoon, Adrien left the estate for a high-level meeting with syndicate leaders in Manhattan. He took half the security detail with him, leaving the manor quieter than usual.
Evelyn knew she was taking a massive risk, but the look in the children's eyes kept burning in her mind.
While Mrs. Vance was busy supervising the kitchen staff, Evelyn quietly walked down to the basement levels of the mansion.
The main basement was modern, housing a climate-controlled wine cellar, a private gym, and a laundry facility. But as Evelyn explored the far end of the wine cellar, behind racks of dusty bottles, she noticed a heavy iron door set directly into the original stone foundation of the cliff.
The door was locked with an old-fashioned brass deadbolt.
"Looking for something, Miss Hart?"
Evelyn jumped, spinning around.
Standing at the entrance of the wine cellar was Dominic—Adrien’s second-in-command. He was a tall, sleek man in his forty with cold blue eyes and a permanent, cruel smile. He was the man who managed the family's finances and security.
Evelyn pressed her back against the wine rack, hiding her trembling hands behind her apron. "Mr. Dominic. I... I was looking for extra linens. Mrs. Vance asked me to check down here."
Dominic walked slowly into the cellar, his shiny leather shoes clicking softly against the concrete floor. He stopped a few feet away from her, his eyes scanning her face with intense suspicion.
"Linens aren't kept in the old foundation, Evelyn," Dominic said softly, his tone dripping with fake warmth. "This door leads to the old sea cellar. It's been locked for decades. Dangerous down there. Loose stones, rising tides."
"I see," Evelyn managed to say, forcing a calm smile. "I must have taken a wrong turn."
Dominic stepped closer, looming over her. "You're doing a fine job with the kids, Evelyn. Really. But don't get overly curious. Adrien is a protective man, but he doesn't tolerate people who dig into things that don't concern them."
"I understand," Evelyn said quietly.
May you like
"Good," Dominic smiled, stepping aside. "Run along back upstairs."
Evelyn hurried out of the cellar, but as she walked away, she felt certain of one thing: Dominic wasn't guarding the door to keep people out. He was guarding it to keep a secret in.
