Chapter 58 Fifty Eight
Salvatore walked through the quiet hallway with his hands tucked into his pockets. The mansion had gone still. Most of the staff had already disappeared into their quarters, careful to stay out of his way.
The only sound came from the ticking of the grandfather clock at the end of the corridor.
He stopped outside Mira’s bedroom. The light beneath the door was still on. He stood there for a few seconds, listening.
Nothing.
No footsteps; the crying had stopped. His hand lifted toward the doorknob before stopping halfway.
He stared at it. Then slowly lowered his hand again.
Antonio’s words echoed in his head.
You pushed too hard.
A bitter smile crossed his face. Maybe he had.
Maybe he hadn’t. Either way, it was done.
He wasn’t the kind of man who took words back.
Turning away from the door, he walked downstairs.
A maid carrying fresh towels froze the moment she saw him.
“Sir.”
He stopped. “Has Miss Voss asked for anything?”
The young woman shook her head nervously.
“No, sir.”
“Has she left her room?” He asked
“No.”
His expression remained unreadable. “If she asks for anything…”
The maid waited.
“Make sure she gets it, anything at all…”
“Yes, sir,” the maid answered, nodding.
He walked away before she could say another word. By the time he reached his study, a man was already waiting inside.
Luca. His head of security.
“You wanted to see me, sir?”
Salvatore poured himself a glass of bourbon. “I did. What's the update?”
Luca placed a folder on the desk. “We’ve increased security around the estate after what happened this morning.”
Salvatore didn’t touch the folder. Any leads?”
“No, sir.”
“And the media?” Slavtore asled
“They still believe it was an accident.”
Salvatore nodded once. “The police?”
“They’ve requested another interview.”
“Those bastards and their damn interrogations disguised as an interview .”
Luca gave a small nod.n“There is one more thing.”
Salvatore looked at him.
“We’re still trying to identify who left the raven.”
Salvatore put down his glass, and his eyes narrowed.No cameras caught anyone?”
“No, sir,” Lucas responded
“What about fingerprints? Did you find any?” Salvatore asked
“Nothing, sir.”
“Even on the photograph?” Salvatore asked
“It wasn’t printed anywhere we’ve been able to trace. And no fingerprint was left.”
Silence settled between them.
Luca hesitated for a moment. “Sir…”
“What?” Salvatore asked without looking at him.
“Whoever did this knew the layout of your estate.”
Salvatore’s fingers tightened around his glass. “Figured too. They knew exactly where to leave it. They knew the body would be found and the exact time.”
“And…” Luca paused. “They knew Miss Voss would see it.”
The room became very quiet. Salvatore walked to the window overlooking the grounds. Rain had started falling outside.
Someone had walked into his home. Killed one of his staff.Left a message.Not for him… but for Mira.
His jaw tightened.
He didn’t like that. Not because someone had the nerve to challenge him and spill blood in his home, but… They dared to frighten her.
The thought irritated him far more than it should have.
Luca studied him carefully. What are your orders?”
Salvatore remained silent for several seconds. “Double the guards. Triple it.”
“We already have.”
“Double them again,” Salvatore said coldly
Luca blinked. “Sir?”
“No one enters this estate without my permission.”
“Understood.”
“No one leaves either without clearance.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And find whoever did this, fast.”
Luca nodded. “We will.”
“No.”Salvatore turned around. You misunderstand me.” His voice had gone frighteningly calm. “I don’t want suspects. I want the person responsible. And I want them found within three days. When you find them…”He finished the last of his bourbon. “Bring them to me alive.”
Luca didn’t ask why. He simply nodded. I’ll make it happen, boss.”
As soon as he left, Antonio walked into the study carrying two cups of coffee.
“I passed Luca.”He placed one cup on the desk. It's fucking hard to get some sleep. What have you had the poor guy do now?” Antonio asked. “You’ve got him running around the city already. It's pretty late.”
Salvatore picked up the coffee. “He’ll find them.”
Antonio leaned against the desk. You really think someone came after Mira?”
“I don’t think.”Salvatore took a slow sip. I know.”
Antonio frowned. What makes you so sure?”
“The note.”
“What about it?”
“It's the same we used to scare her,” Salvatore said, his eyes now on Antonio
Antonio’s expression changed. That means…”
Neither of them spoke for a moment.
Finally Antonio sighed. “So we’ve got a bigger problem.”
“We do.”
“You think whoever sent it knows she’s investigating you?”
“I don’t know,” Slavtore said, his jaw tightening
“This is crazy. Who dares do such a thing?” Antonio asked
” We're about to find out .” Salvatore said, taking a sip from his glass.
Antonio folded his arms. “You know…”
“What?”
“Whatever thought you're having, delete it; remember we had an agreement…” Antonio paused. “ You promised you weren't going to kill anyone like you killed that intruder.
Salvatore looked at him. Well am about to break that promise, Antonio.”
Antonio let out a deep sigh. If you act irrationally, you're going to get caught
“You should be sleeping. Go back to bed .” Salvatore said without giving Antonio a glance
“I know you're into her.. Everyone in the mansion already knows.. But knock it down. We don't need the attention.”
“You're just blowing things up. I haven't even done anything yet.”
“You just fucking double triple the security!”
Salvatore looked toward the rain outside. It's being practical to keep everyone safe and… her .”
Antonio looked at him for a second. Tone it down, Sal. If you get fucked I get fucked too.”
Salvatore didn’t say a word. His eyes remained fixed on the darkness beyond the glass.
Somewhere out there was someone bold enough to step inside his home...Someone who had looked straight at Mira…and threatened to take her life.
He was going to make sure they all bled till death.