Chapter 4 - The Poisoned Apple
The sharp sound of breaking glass echoed through the kitchen.
Marco froze, his face draining of all color as he stared at the clear liquid pooling on the tiles.
"Clumsy of me," Marco muttered quickly, grabbing a towel to wipe it up.
I recognized the faint, bitter scent immediately.
It was the exact same smell as Elena's perfume from the hallway.
"Don't touch that," I said sharply, surprising myself with the authority in my voice.
Marco stood up slowly, his hand drifting toward the holster at his waist.
"It is just floor cleaner, Mrs. Moretti," he lied smoothly.
I backed away slowly, my heart pounding as I realized how isolated we were in this part of the house.
Before he could draw his weapon, the kitchen doors swung open.
Luca walked in, his massive presence instantly filling the room.
"What is going on in here?" Luca demanded, looking between the two of us.
"Marco dropped something," I said, keeping my eyes fixed on the security chief.
"It smells exactly like Elena," I added deliberately.
Luca's eyes narrowed, his gaze shifting to the wet spot on the floor.
"Marco, give me your weapon," Luca commanded quietly.
Marco hesitated for a fraction of a second, which was all the confirmation Luca needed.
Luca moved with terrifying speed, slamming Marco against the stainless-steel refrigerator.
He disarmed his trusted friend in seconds, pinning him in place.
"Why?" Luca roared, the betrayal in his voice echoing off the walls.
"Because you are weak, Luca!" Marco spat back, struggling helplessly.
"You let a baker walk in here and soften you."
Marco began to laugh, a harsh, grating sound that made my skin crawl.
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"You think you stopped it by catching me?" Marco sneered.
"The wedding gift from her father just arrived in your office, and it has a timer."
