Chapter 1 - The Untouched Cup
Adrian stared at the cold porcelain cup resting on his mahogany desk.
The dark liquid inside was perfectly still.
For three years, he had swallowed that bitter tea every single night, believing it was the only thing keeping his mind from collapsing.
He carefully poured the tea into a sterile glass vial and sealed it tightly.
A soft knock echoed through the heavy bedroom door.
Rosa, his quiet and unassuming housekeeper, rushed into the room with sheer panic on her face.
She immediately scooped Lily into her arms, pressing the little girl’s face into her shoulder.
"Mr. Moretti, I am so incredibly sorry," Rosa whispered, her whole body trembling.
"She woke up looking for her rabbit, and I did not realize she had wandered into your wing."
Adrian looked at the terrified mother and the innocent child who had just saved his life.
"It is fine, Rosa," Adrian said, his voice smoother and steadier than it had been in years.
"She just wanted to tell me a story."
Rosa looked at him in absolute shock, clearly expecting him to explode in a violent rage.
"Take her back to bed and lock your door," Adrian instructed quietly.
Rosa nodded frantically and hurried out of the bedroom, disappearing down the dark hallway.
Ten minutes later, the secret balcony door clicked open.
Luca, the only captain Adrian still trusted with his life, stepped out of the shadows.
Luca took one look at Adrian's face and immediately knew something had shifted.
"You look awake, boss," Luca noted softly.
Adrian handed the sealed glass vial to his loyal soldier.
"Take this to the underground lab and find out exactly what my brother has been feeding me."
Luca examined the dark liquid and frowned deeply.
"And if it is poison?" Luca asked.
May you like
Adrian walked over to his closet and pulled out a loaded handgun he had not touched in three years.
"Then tomorrow, I become an only child."
