Chapter 9 - The Ghost from the Past
Maeve backed away from the safe, holding the photographs tightly against her chest.
"You have been having me followed for half a year," Maeve said, her voice shaking.
Elias set the coffee cup down slowly on the dresser.
He did not look guilty; he looked completely resolute.
"I saw you at a charity gala last winter," Elias confessed quietly.
"You were serving champagne, and you dropped a glass."
Maeve remembered that night perfectly, as Margaret had beaten her for the mistake.
"I watched you take the blame to protect a younger maid who actually dropped it," Elias continued.
"I wanted to marry you the moment I saw you."
Maeve's mind spun wildly as she tried to process his words.
"Then why did you get engaged to Sienna?" Maeve demanded.
Elias stepped closer, his dark eyes filled with absolute sincerity.
"Because the Ashfords owed millions to a rival syndicate, and I needed an excuse to investigate them from the inside."
He reached out and gently took the photos from her hands.
"I played along with Sienna to destroy her family, but my ultimate goal was always to free you."
Tears spilled down Maeve's cheeks as she finally understood the depth of his grand design.
She threw her arms around his neck, fully surrendering her heart to the ruthless mafia boss.
Elias held her tightly, burying his face in her dark hair.
Suddenly, the heavy bedroom door was thrown open.
Salvatore stood in the doorway, panting heavily with a grim look on his face.
"We have a massive problem, Elias," Salvatore announced.
Elias shielded Maeve behind his back and glared at his uncle.
"What is it?" Elias demanded sharply.
"Margaret Ashford was just found dead in her private study," Salvatore revealed.
Maeve gasped in horror, realizing the woman who tormented her was gone.
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"The police are on their way here right now," Salvatore added grimly.
"Because the murder weapon they found at the scene belongs to you, Elias."
