Chapter 5
The grand dining room descended into absolute silence once more. The massive engagement ring Annelise had worn lay abandoned on a polished side table, glittering under the warm golden light. Everett stared at the diamond for a long moment. He slowly reached out, his tattooed fingers picking it up, and dropped it carelessly into a nearby crystal water glass. It sank to the bottom with a quiet clink.
"Are we continuing dinner?" Everett asked the room at large, walking slowly back to his seat at the head of the table.
A collective, silent exhale rippled through the room. The capos and politicians immediately picked up their silver cutlery, the polite murmur of conversation resuming as if a woman hadn't just been violently banished from their ranks. In their world, survival meant adapting instantly to the whims of the boss.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of forced civility. The exquisite food tasted like ash to the guests, but no one dared leave before the boss gave the signal. Everett played the perfect host, discussing port expansions and political bribes with a cold, terrifying detachment.
It was nearly midnight when the final guest's vehicle rolled out of the heavy iron gates. The mansion was finally silent, the catering staff having quickly and efficiently cleared the white damask tables before retreating to their quarters.
Everett stood alone in the center of the massive dining room, his suit jacket discarded over a chair. He poured himself a finger of amber liquid from a crystal decanter and took a slow sip. He walked purposefully out of the room, heading toward the grand staircase.
The second floor of the mansion was deathly quiet. The heavy velvet curtains were drawn, plunging the long hallway into a soft, luxurious gloom. He walked directly toward the nursery at the end of the corridor.
He didn't knock. He pushed the heavy oak door open silently.
The nursery was bathed in the soft glow of a small nightlight. Bree sat in a plush rocking chair near the crib, wearing a soft cardigan over her maid's uniform. She was humming a quiet, gentle melody, staring blankly at the wall.
Everett stepped into the room, his polished shoes making no sound on the thick rug.
"Is he asleep?" Everett asked quietly.
Bree jumped slightly, startled by his sudden appearance. She quickly stood up, smoothing her apron. "Yes, Mr. Marlowe. He fell asleep about an hour ago. He was very exhausted."
Everett walked over to the crib, looking down at his son. Owen was sleeping peacefully, his small chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. The terrifying mafia boss vanished entirely, replaced by a devoted, fiercely protective father. He gently adjusted the soft blanket over the baby's shoulders.
He turned around, leaning his broad back against the edge of the crib, and looked at the beautiful housemaid standing nervously a few feet away.
"Did she threaten you, Bree?" Everett asked, his voice a low, vibrating hum in the quiet room.
Bree hesitated, her hands twisting nervously in front of her. "She told me that if I didn't pack my bags and leave tonight, she would ensure I never found work in this city again. She said she was going to send Owen to a boarding school in Europe as soon as the wedding was over."
Everett’s jaw clenched so hard the muscles ticked visibly beneath his short stubble.
"Did you believe her?" Everett asked softly.
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"She is a very powerful woman, sir," Bree replied, looking down at the floor. "And I am just a maid. Who would you have believed?"
"Do I look like a man who tolerates liars?" Everett countered, stepping away from the crib and walking slowly toward her. He stopped just inches away, his towering frame imposing and incredibly close. "Did you think I would let anyone take my son away from the only mother he has ever known?"
