Chapter 7 - The Garden Threat
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The following afternoon, I watched from the second-story balcony as Vivien strolled through the manicured estate gardens. The autumn leaves were turning a brilliant shade of crimson, but the beauty of the grounds was entirely lost on me.
Down below, little Mia was playing near the massive stone fountain, chasing a butterfly with joyful, oblivious energy. Elena was sweeping the patio nearby, keeping a watchful eye on her daughter.
Vivien altered her path, walking directly toward the mother and child.
I leaned forward, gripping the stone balustrade until my knuckles turned white. In the shadows near the garden gates, I saw two of Nico’s men subtly shift their stances, their hands moving closer to their concealed weapons.
Vivien stopped a few feet from Elena. She didn't raise her voice, maintaining the illusion of a polite conversation for anyone watching from a distance.
"You look exhausted, Elena," Vivien observed, a cruel smirk playing on her lips. "Are you not sleeping well?"
Elena gripped the broom handle tightly, her knuckles pale. "I am sleeping fine, Miss Vivien. Thank you."
"I hope so," Vivien murmured, stepping closer, her eyes darting toward Mia. "It would be a tragedy if your lack of focus led to a terrible accident. The stone around this fountain gets remarkably slippery. A child could easily hit her head and drown before anyone even noticed."
Elena’s face drained of color. She dropped the broom and instinctively took a protective step toward her daughter.
Before Vivien could deliver another threat, a heavy, intimidating presence stepped out from behind the towering hedge maze.
It was Rocco.
"Good afternoon, Miss Vivien," Rocco grunted, his massive frame blocking her path to the child. "The Boss asked me to inform you that the jewelers have arrived in the main parlor for your final fitting."
Vivien’s eyes narrowed furiously at the interruption, but she quickly masked it with a brilliant smile. "Thank you, Rocco. I'll be right in."
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She shot one last, venomous look at Elena before turning on her heel and marching back toward the mansion.
I let out a slow, ragged breath from the balcony. Vivien was escalating. She was feeling the pressure of her own lies, and she was preparing to strike. It was time to spring the trap.
