Chapter 2 - The Hidden Ledger
Mara held her breath until her lungs burned with agonizing heat.
She pressed her back against the cold steel of the refrigerator, praying the puppy would not bark.
Leo Vance was the man who had forged her father's signature and driven their bakery into absolute bankruptcy.
Now, he was standing in a mafia boss's kitchen, openly blackmailing the estate manager.
"You are playing a very dangerous game, Leo," Evelyn warned in a low, trembling voice.
"Just get the transfer documents signed by midnight, or Castellano gets an anonymous tip," Leo replied smoothly.
The heavy kitchen doors swung shut as Leo finally exited through the service corridor.
Mara slowly slid down the side of the refrigerator until she hit the tile floor.
She realized Evelyn was actively embezzling money from the most dangerous man in Chicago.
If Mara exposed the theft, she could potentially win Dominic's favor and get revenge on Leo.
But if Evelyn found out that Mara knew the truth, the ruthless manager would absolutely kill her.
Mara quickly prepared the espresso tray, her hands shaking violently against the porcelain cups.
She carried the silver tray up the grand staircase to Dominic's private study.
She knocked twice before gently pushing the heavy oak doors open.
Dominic was standing by the massive window, staring out at the pouring rain.
He did not turn around when she placed the tray on his desk.
"You are breathing entirely too fast, Mara," Dominic observed without looking at her.
Mara froze, wondering how a man could possess such terrifyingly sharp instincts.
"The stairs are very steep, sir," she lied flawlessly.
Dominic finally turned around, picking up his espresso cup with a graceful, predatory elegance.
He walked toward her, stopping only when he was inches away from her face.
"I hired you because you are the only person in this house who does not lie to me," he whispered.
He reached out and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
His touch sent a violent, electric shiver directly down her spine.
"Tell me exactly what you just heard in my kitchen," Dominic commanded softly.
Mara realized he had security cameras with hidden microphones planted all over the estate.
May you like
He already knew about the meeting, and this was simply a test of her loyalty.
Before she could answer, a loud, explosive gunshot shattered the silence of the mansion.
