Chapter 4 - The Cold Dismissal
Lorenzo stopped at the top of the marble steps, looking down at the panicked maid with eyes as sharp and cold as polished steel.
The little girl took a short, shuddering breath against his neck, her tiny fingers tangling in the fabric of his brown suit jacket.
"You smell like coffee," the little girl whispered innocently against Lorenzo's collar, sniffing softly before looking down at the terrified housekeeper. "That lady told the men with handcuffs that mommy stole the gold watch from the bedroom."
Renata gasped, taking a frantic step backward into the foyer. "She's lying, sir! That child is the daughter of Clara, the new laundry maid! Clara was caught red-handed with your father’s vintage gold watch in her locker! The police are in the back courtyard taking her into custody right now!"
Lorenzo didn't blink. He knew Clara—a quiet, hardworking widow who had served his family with absolute dedication for two years to support her daughter, Maya.
He looked at Renata’s shifting eyes, noticing the heavy gold bracelet bulging under the maid's white apron sleeve.
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"Pack your things, Renata," Lorenzo commanded, his voice dropping into a deadly, threatening whisper that left no room for argument. "You’re done here."
👉 How was Renata planning to ruin Clara before the police could investigate the room?
