Chapter 5 - THE RECKONING IN THE HALL
Downstairs, the Grimaldi mansion was quiet.
The Christmas Eve guests were still an hour away, but the atmosphere had already frozen solid.
Richard Caldwell stood by the console table where the broken vase had lain.
The glass had been swept up, but the dark stain of water remained on the white marble.
Nicholas walked down the grand staircase, his heavy boots clicking rhythmically against the stone steps.
He didn't run. He didn't shout.
He walked like a man taking a slow stroll through his own courtyard.
Richard forced a tight, nervous smile as Nicholas approached. "Mr. Grimaldi... Dr. Vance is upstairs? I trust the girl is recovering. It was an unfortunate accident, but discipline—"
"You locked her out in a category-three blizzard," Nicholas interrupted.
He stopped three feet from Richard.
"She broke a family heirloom," Richard defended himself, his voice pitching higher. "Grandfather’s porcelain! She had no respect for the house—"
"Grandfather’s porcelain," Nicholas repeated softly.
He reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a small leather ledger.
He flipped it open, scanning a single page.
"Grandfather’s porcelain was appraised in 1994 by Sotheby’s for twelve thousand dollars," Nicholas said, his eyes rising to meet Richard’s. "And yet, according to the estate financial logs you submitted last Tuesday, you wrote off forty-five thousand dollars for 'antique restoration and insurance replacement' after a moving accident in the East Wing three years ago."
Richard’s face went from pale to gray.
"That... that was a clerical error," Richard stammered, taking a step backward. "Accounting discrepancies happen—"
"Accounting discrepancies don't usually involve shell companies registered in the Cayman Islands under your sister's maiden name," Nicholas said, sliding the ledger back into his coat.
He turned his head slightly.
"Luca."
"Boss?"
"Take Richard to the basement vault."
Richard let out a strangled cry, lunging toward the front door. "You can't do this! I've served this family for fifteen years! I know your secrets!"
Luca moved with terrifying speed.
He caught Richard by the collar of his suit jacket, spun him around, and clamped a heavy hand over his mouth, dragging him toward the staff service stairs without breaking a sweat.
The heavy oak door to the basement clicked shut.
May you like
Silence returned to the entrance hall.
---
