Chapter 3 - The Loyalty Test
At 8:00 PM, inside the opulent, oak-paneled study of the Moretti mansion, Cassian Vane sat across from Alessandro, casually sipping a glass of twenty-year-old scotch.
Cassian was impeccably dressed in a tailored Italian suit, his hair neatly slicked back. To the outside world, he was the brilliant brain behind the Moretti syndicate's vast financial holdings.
"The port shipping contracts are finalized, Alessandro," Cassian said smoothly, sliding a leather folder across the desk. "We’ll clear an additional four million this quarter."
"Excellent work, Cassian," Alessandro said softly, stepping toward the bar to pour himself a drink. "By the way... have you seen Sophia today?"
Cassian’s hand paused for a fraction of a second over his glass before he took a slow sip. "Sophia? The maid? No, I haven't. Is there an issue with the housekeeping?"
"She fell ill," Alessandro remarked, watching Cassian through the reflection in the glass cabinet. "Dr. Bianchi says she might not survive the night."
Cassian put on a look of mild, professional sympathy. "Ah, that is unfortunate. A shame... she was a hard worker. I'll make sure her daughter is sent to a state shelter if the worst happens."
Alessandro turned around slowly. The utter indifference in Cassian’s eyes sent a chill through the room.
"A state shelter?" Alessandro asked, his voice unnervingly quiet. "For a three-year-old child?"
"We run an empire, Alessandro, not an orphanage," Cassian smiled thinly. "Softness is a luxury we cannot afford. You know that better than anyone."
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"Tell me, Cassian," Alessandro said, walking around the desk and leaning against the edge, inches from his advisor. "Why would a man like you care so much about a simple housekeeper that he would bring her tea every week?"
Cassian’s smile vanished. His eyes darted toward the door for a split second.
