Chapter 2 - The Midnight Audit of Shadows
Midnight arrived with the fury of a thunderstorm.
Rain lashed against the tall, gothic windows of the Moretti mansion.
Lightning split the dark sky.
Casting jagged shadows across the polished wooden floors.
Maya walked down the long, dimly lit corridor.
Every step felt like a march to the gallows.
She wore a clean black housekeeping uniform.
Her hair was tied back in a strict bun.
Her hands were empty except for a small microfiber cloth and a bottle of polish.
She reached the heavy oak doors of Adrien’s private study.
The door was slightly ajar.
A sliver of amber light cut across the dark hallway.
Maya hesitated.
She raised her hand.
Knocked twice.
“Enter,” came the deep voice from within.
She pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The room smelled of expensive cologne, old leather, and bitter espresso.
Bookshelves lined the walls from floor to vaulted ceiling.
A roaring fireplace cast dancing flames across the room.
Adrien sat behind a massive mahogany desk.
He was not looking at papers.
He was looking straight at her.
“You are late by forty-two seconds,” Adrien noted, glancing at his vintage gold watch.
“I had to dodge three armed guards who looked like they wanted to interrogate my cleaning supplies,” Maya replied defensively.
Adrien raised an eyebrow.
Defiance.
Interesting.
Most people trembled in his presence.
This girl complained about his security team.
“They are protecting the estate,” Adrien said softly.
“From what? My aggressive dusting?” Maya muttered under her breath.
“I heard that.”
“You were supposed to.”
Adrien stood up.
He was tall.
Imposing.
He walked slowly around the desk.
Stopping just inches away from her.
Maya had to tilt her head back just to meet his piercing gaze.
“You are different from the others, Maya Collins,” Adrien said, his voice dropping an octave.
“The others usually scream when I look at them.”
“I save my screaming for malfunctioning plumbing,” Maya shot back, refusing to back down.
Adrien let out a low, dangerous chuckle.
A sound that sent shivers straight down her spine.
May you like
“We will see how brave you are,” Adrien whispered, leaning in close.
“When you find out what is hidden in this house.”
