Chapter 8
The heavy mahogany doors slammed shut behind Esme and Maisie, cutting off their rapid footsteps with a definitive, echoing thud. The grand banquet hall was plunged into a profound, ringing silence. The towering Christmas tree continued to sparkle with gold ornaments and burgundy ribbons, but the festive warmth of the room had entirely vanished, replaced by the freezing, calculated wrath of the mafia boss.
Gideon Crowne turned his broad, masculine frame fully toward Blair Sinclair. He did not move to strike her, but his stillness was far more lethal than any sudden outburst of violence. His tailored dark three-piece suit seemed to absorb the light as he walked slowly around the edge of the carved walnut table, stopping right in front of the small cup of poison.
"What exactly is in this cup, Blair?" Gideon asked, his deep, measured voice dropping into a register that shook the very air.
Blair backed away, pressing her spine against a cream marble column. "It doesn't matter now, does it? The brat ruined it."
"What is in the cup?" Gideon repeated, his tone leaving absolutely no room for defiance.
"A chemical abortifacient mixed with heavy sedatives," Blair confessed, her voice shaking violently as the reality of her isolation set in. "It would have been quick. She would have passed out in the servant's quarters, and by morning, the problem would have been solved. It was a clean solution!"
"A clean solution," Gideon murmured, staring at the cup. The sheer, audacious cruelty of her plan was staggering. She had intended to murder his child and leave the mother bleeding out in the dark.
"I was trying to consolidate power!" Blair shrieked defensively, tears finally ruining her flawless makeup. "She is a burden! She is holding you back from expanding the territory! I did it for us! I did it to make you stronger!"
"Who provided you with the chemicals, Blair?" Gideon asked softly. "Which of my men sold his loyalty for your stolen coin to smuggle that into my home?"
Blair swallowed hard, her fair skin splotchy with panic. "I won't tell you! If I tell you, you'll kill me! My silence is the only thing keeping me alive!"
"Do you believe leverage exists for a woman who has just admitted to attempting to murder my blood?" Gideon countered, stepping closer, his imposing frame blocking her escape.
He didn't wait for her to answer. He turned his head slightly, his gaze sweeping over the four heavily armed guards stationed near the service doors.
"Are you men going to secure this traitor, or must I break her legs myself before we walk downstairs?" Gideon commanded, his authority absolute.
May you like
Two massive enforcers stepped forward instantly, moving with terrifying, synchronized efficiency. They grabbed Blair roughly by the arms, entirely ignoring the expensive fabric of her luxurious emerald gown.
"Get your hands off me!" Blair screamed as they dragged her backward toward the corridor.
