Chapter 16 Sixteen
Mira stepped out of Salvatore’s office and the door closed behind her with a soft click.
For a moment, she didn’t move. She just stood there.
His last words stayed in her head.
“I won’t be having a starving ghost on my wall.”
She exhaled slowly through her nose.
“Ghost? Was that his way of announcing his plans to murder me” she muttered under her breath. “What a sick bastard.”
Antonio didn’t walk her this time. No escort. No eyes were watching her like a hawk.
Mira moved through the hallways slowly, her eyes scanning and watching for anything or anyone that could give her a clue to solving this murder spree.
By the time she got to the kitchen wing, the image of Salvatore covered in blood and slicing up the meat flashed before her.
She shook her head to wipe off that thought then walked inside to find a familiar face.
The maid from earlier
The same one who had brought the clothes.
She was arranging something on the counter, careful and quiet, like she was afraid to make noise.
Mira stepped in further.
The maid looked up immediately.
“Good morning, ma’am,” she said politely.
Mira paused.
Then frowned slightly.
“Don’t call me ma’am,” Mira said lightly. “It makes me feel like a grandma.”
The maid blinked, a little thrown off.
“…Sorry, miss.”
Mira gave a small nod, letting it go. She stepped closer to the counter, resting her hand lightly against the marble as if she belonged there.
“So,” she said, glancing over the neatly arranged plates, “what are we having for breakfast?”
The maid hesitated for a second before answering.
“Eggs. Toast. Fruit,” she said quietly. “Coffee as well.”
Mira nodded, leaning in slightly to look.
Everything was arranged too perfectly. Not a crumb out of place. Not a plate slightly off.
Even the fruit looked… measured.
“Looks good,” Mira said, reaching for a fork. “You always cook this early?”
“Yes.”
Short. Direct.
Mira glanced at her noticing her nervousness.
“What’s your name?” she asked.
The maid hesitated for a second.
“…Lena,” she said.
“Mira,” she replied simply. “Since we’re doing introductions.”
That got a small, cautious nod from the maid.
For a moment, there was only the soft sound of movement in the kitchen.
Mira picked up a slice of apple, taking a bite like she had no care in the world. Like she wasn’t standing in a house that felt like it swallowed people whole.
“So, Lena,” she said casually, “how long have you been working here?”
Lena’s hands paused for just a second before continuing.
“A while.”
Mira raised a brow slightly.
“That’s… not very specific.”
Lena didn’t respond.
Just kept arranging things that were already arranged.
Mira chewed slowly, watching her.
“You like it here?” she asked.
That question made Lena stop again.
This time longer.
Her fingers tightened slightly around the edge of the plate before she set it down.
“It’s just work,” she said.
Mira tilted her head.
“That’s not what I asked.”
Lena didn’t respond.
“You shouldn’t be asking too many questions,” Lena said quietly.” It’s your second day at work.. Miss.”
Mira smiled.
“Yeah, I know” Mira said, taking another bite from the sliced apple,
“When I’m curious… I can’t help it
A faint shift passed through Lena’s expression.
Almost like she wanted to say something.
Then thought better not to
Mira leaned back slightly against the counter, crossing one arm over her stomach, still holding the fork in the other.
“Let me guess,” she said. “Everyone here keeps to themselves. No one talks. No one asks anything. Everyone just… works.”
Lena didn’t say anything
Didn’t confirm or deny it either.
Silence was answer enough for Mira.
“So,” she continued, more casually now, “I heard footsteps last night…”
Lena froze. Completely.
Mira caught it immediately.
“I heard someone walking,” she said. “Late. Around three, maybe.”
No response.
Lena steadied herself and went back to her chores.
Mira pushed a little.
“It’s a big house, I guess,” she added. “With a lot of guards and maids.. There must be a lot of movement, especially from the west wing of the mansion.”
Lena slowly turned her head toward her.
Her expression had changed.
The calm was still there…
But something else had slipped through.
Something Mira couldn’t place her hand on
“You shouldn’t work around the mansion late,” Lena said.
Her voice was lower now.
And serious.
Mira held her gaze.
“Why?”
A beat of silence passed with Lena looking around to make sure no one was watching.
Then…
“Because you shouldn’t, the less you see the better.”
Mira stared at her for a moment. She was certain Lena knew something.
She let out a small breath through her nose, trying to brush it off.
“Okay,” Mira said. “Now you’re definitely trying to scare me.”
Lena didn’t say a word.
Mira studied her for a second longer.
Then straightened, placing the fork down.
“Alright,” she said. “Thank you for the survival tip. I’ll stay in my room. Don’t ask questions. Don’t breathe too loudly.” She joke
Still, Lena was tense.
Mira shook her head slightly..
She grabbed a piece of toast this time, taking a bite.
But her mind wasn’t on the food anymore.
Mira glanced toward the door for a second to make sure the hawk Antonio was around eve dropping
Then back at Lena.
“One last question,” she said.
Lena didn’t respond, but she didn’t walk away either.
Mira lowered her voice just a little.
“Those six wives people talk about…”
Lena’s hand slipped.
The plate she was holding hit the counter a little too hard.
Heavy, tense silence filled the room.
Mira watched her..
Lena slowly steadied the plate, her fingers slightly tense now.
When she spoke again, her voice was even quieter than before.
“Enjoy your breakfast Miss,” Lena said nervously about to leave the kitchen
Mira’s held her hand “Lena—”
“Eat,” Lena repeated … This time firmer.
Mira followed her eyes only to find Salvatore standing six feet from the kitchen staring at them