Chapter 6 - The Poisoned Diamond
Two days later, the mansion was eerily quiet. Dante had left early for a mandatory syndicate council meeting in Midtown, taking his chief head of security, Marco, with him. Only the household staff and Vanessa remained on the estate grounds.
Elena spent the afternoon cleaning the guest suites on the third floor. She worked tirelessly, scrubbing tile, changing sheets, and trying to ignore the gnawing pit of anxiety in her stomach. Every car engine that rumbled in the driveway made her jump.
Around four in the afternoon, Margaret Whitmore hurried into the suite, her expression tight and pale.
"Elena," Margaret said, keeping her voice low. "Miss Bennett wants you in the master suite immediately."
Elena paused, holding a stack of folded Egyptian cotton towels. "Mrs. Whitmore, Mr. Moretti explicitly said I shouldn't take direct orders from Miss Bennett."
"I know, dear," Margaret sighed, wringing her hands nervously. "But she's threatening to call the local police. She claims something irreplaceable is missing from her jewelry box. Go up there, let her search your apron if she insists, and stay calm. I'll call Dante's private line."
Elena felt an icy chill wash over her skin. Not again. Dear God, not again.
She walked down the long corridor toward the master wing, her boots feeling like lead weights. The heavy double doors of Vanessa’s suite stood open. Inside, Vanessa was pacing across an ivory rug, holding an antique gold velvet jewelry case in her hands. Beside her stood two private security guards from the Bennett family payroll—burly men in dark suits who did not answer to Dante Moretti.
"You wanted to see me, Miss Bennett?" Elena asked from the doorway, keeping her voice completely level.
Vanessa turned slowly. There was no rage on her face now—only a terrifying, triumphant smirk. "Yes, Elena. Come in. Close the door behind you."
Elena stepped inside, leaving the door slightly ajar. "Mrs. Whitmore said you misplaced something."
"I didn't misplace anything," Vanessa purred, holding up the empty velvet box. "My grandmother’s canary diamond pendant—worth three hundred and fifty thousand dollars—has vanished from my nightstand. And coincidentally, you were seen dusting this room during the morning shift."
"I did not touch your jewelry box, Miss Bennett," Elena replied firmly. "I cleaned the fireplace and changed the water in the vases. I never approached the vanity."
"Is that so?" Vanessa turned to the two guards. "Check her uniform."
"Do not touch me," Elena said sharply, stepping backward. "If you believe a theft has occurred, call the house security manager. Mr. Moretti’s men handle internal investigations."
"Mr. Moretti isn't here," Vanessa sneered. "And by the time he returns, your little fairy tale will be over. Search her apron!"
One of the Bennett guards grabbed Elena's arm with bruising force, while the second thrust his hand deep into the large front pocket of her black maid uniform. Elena struggled, but the man was twice her size.
A moment later, the guard pulled his hand out, opening his palm.
Resting in the center of his gloved hand was a brilliant, tear-shaped yellow diamond pendant, glittering cold and bright under the chandelier.
Elena’s breath caught in her throat. "No... that’s impossible! I didn't put that there!"
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Vanessa let out a cruel, melodic laugh that chilled Elena to the bone. "Well, well. It seems the little hotel thief couldn't change her habits after all. How tragic. Dante gave you a warm bed, paid for your mother’s hospital bills, and you repay him by stealing from his future wife."
Vanessa pulled out her gold smartphone, dialing a pre-saved number. "Chief Miller? Yes, this is Vanessa Bennett. I have an active grand larceny in progress at the Moretti residence. Send two squad cars immediately. We have the thief restrained."
