The Arrogant Fiancée Kicked the Maid Into the Freezing Snow — Until the 4-Year-Old Sneaked Into the Boss's Study With a Gold-Wrapped Box

Lily looked at the shattered watch, completely oblivious to the horrific violence attached to it.

"I found it in the mean lady's closet," Lily answered innocently, pointing toward the ceiling. "I was hiding under the big bed while my mommy was cleaning. The mean lady has a secret box under her floorboards. I thought the shiny clock was pretty, so I took it to wrap it for you. Does it make you happy?"

Gabriel stopped breathing.

The "mean lady." Victoria.

Victoria was Gabriel's high-society fiancée. She had swept into his life just months after Julian's death, playing the role of a comforting, supportive partner. She had convinced Gabriel to let her move into the mansion, aggressively taking over the estate while Gabriel drowned in his grief. She portrayed herself as a flawless, elegant angel to the public.

But Victoria had a secret lockbox under her floorboards. And inside that lockbox was the bloody trophy taken from Gabriel's murdered brother.

The cinematic realization crashed over Gabriel with the force of a nuclear bomb. Victoria hadn't just comforted him. She had orchestrated Julian's murder to clear the line of succession, ensuring she would become the queen of Gabriel's entire syndicate empire. She had been sleeping in his bed, spending his money, and secretly wearing the blood of his family on her hands.

Gabriel slowly closed his fist around the platinum watch. The grieving, isolated recluse completely vanished. The ruthless, terrifying boss of the syndicate fully awakened.

"Lily," Gabriel said, standing up from his leather armchair. His towering frame cast a massive shadow across the Persian rug. "You said your mommy is crying outside in the cold?"

"Yes," Lily sniffled, her bottom lip trembling. "The mean lady pushed her in the snow."

Gabriel gently took the little girl's small hand in his massive, tattooed grip.