Chapter 12 - The Uninvited Guest
Three days after their return, the fragile peace of the estate was shattered by a phone call that Marcus received in the security wing.
Dante was in his study reviewing international shipping logs when Marcus knocked twice and pushed the door open without waiting for permission. His face was set in a grim, tight line.
“Boss,” Marcus said, glancing sideways at Nora, who was sitting by the window reading an art history journal. “We have a situation down at the lower gate.”
Dante didn't look up from his ledger. “Specify.”
“It’s not an assassin, and it’s not the syndicate,” Marcus said, his voice dropping an octave. “It’s Amanda Vance. Cameron’s mother.”
Nora dropped her book. The sound of the heavy cover hitting the hardwood floor echoed loudly in the silent study. Her breath hitched, and every muscle in her body froze.
Dante slowly set his pen down on the mahogany desk. He looked up, his icy grey eyes turning lethal.
“She has a death wish,” Dante stated flatly, standing up from his chair.
“Wait,” Nora said, standing up quickly and rushing over to the desk. Her hands trembled slightly, but her voice was resolute. “Don't hurt her, Dante. Just... let me talk to her. Let me see what she wants.”
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Dante studied Nora’s face for a long, agonizing moment, weighing the risk against her determination. Finally, he gave a sharp nod to Marcus.
“Bring her into the conservatory. Not the house—the glass room by the cliff. And keep three men stationed outside the doors.”
