Chapter 7 - The Cousin at the Gate|
Adrian Moretti arrived at the estate the next morning.
He came in a silver sedan with two lawyers and a smile that suggested he considered the entire situation an unfortunate misunderstanding. He wore a navy suit, polished shoes, and a silver watch that Sophia recognized from the warehouse video.
Declan met him in the front hall.
Sophia watched from the stairs, her injured shoulder aching beneath her sweater.
“You have some nerve coming here,” Declan said.
Adrian spread his hands.
“I heard you were looking for me.”
“You're in the video.”
“What video?”
“The one showing you handing Kessler a folder and discussing my death.”
Adrian's expression didn't change.
“That's an extraordinary accusation.”
“Then you'll have no trouble explaining it to the police.”
“Of course. But perhaps we should speak privately first. Family matters shouldn't become public entertainment.”
Declan laughed without humor.
“You arranged an attempt on my life.”
“You don't know that.”
“I know enough.”
Adrian glanced toward the staircase and saw Sophia.
His eyes lingered on the bandage visible above her collar.
“So this is the tailor.”
Sophia descended one step.
“My name is Sophia.”
“Of course. The woman who took a bullet for my cousin.”
“I didn't volunteer for it.”
Adrian's smile sharpened.
“An unfortunate accident.”
Declan moved between them.
“Don't speak to her.”
“Protective, aren't we?”
“Leave.”
Adrian's expression hardened.
“You think I'm your enemy because you've been listening to people who don't understand our family. Kessler has been trying to take control of the shipping routes for years. He wanted you out of the way, and he used me to get close. I was gathering information.”
“By discussing my death?”
“It was a conversation.”
“By putting evidence in Sophia's suit?”
Adrian looked at her.
“I don't know what you're talking about.”
Sophia stepped forward.
“The video shows you looking at the camera and telling someone to make sure I delivered the envelope.”
For the first time, Adrian's composure cracked.
It lasted less than a second.
Then he smiled again.
“You must be mistaken.”
“No. I'm very good at noticing details. It's how I earn my living.”
Declan glanced at her, and despite the tension, pride flickered in his eyes.
Adrian turned back to his cousin.
“You've become sentimental. It's dangerous for a man in your position.”
“Is that why you want me dead?”
“I want the company to survive.”
“Without me?”
“With someone who can make difficult decisions without letting emotion interfere.”
Declan's voice lowered.
“You mean someone like you.”
Adrian didn't answer.
Marcus appeared at the front door with two security officers.
“Mr. Moretti, the police are here.”
Adrian looked irritated.
“This is unnecessary.”
“Then cooperate,” Declan replied.
The officers asked Adrian to accompany them for questioning. His lawyers objected, but he eventually agreed to leave with them voluntarily. Before walking out, he turned toward Sophia.
“You should be careful. People around Declan have a habit of getting hurt.”
Sophia met his gaze.
“Then perhaps he should stop letting people like you stand so close.”
Adrian's smile disappeared.
After he left, Declan turned to her.
“You shouldn't have confronted him.”
“You mean I shouldn't have spoken without waiting for permission?”
“I mean he may retaliate.”
“Then we should be prepared.”
He studied her.
“You're not afraid of him.”
“I am. I'm just tired of letting fear make every decision.”
Declan looked as though he wanted to argue, but he stopped himself.
Instead, he said, “I'll make sure the police have everything.”
“Good.”
She returned to the guest suite, exhausted by the encounter. She had barely reached the bed when her phone rang.
It was her sister, Emily.
Sophia answered with a smile.
“Hey.”
Emily's voice was trembling.
“Soph, there's a man outside my apartment.”
Sophia sat upright, pain flashing through her shoulder.
“What man?”
“He says he's a friend of yours. He asked where you are.”
Sophia's blood went cold.
“Don't open the door. Call the police.”
“I already did.”
“Stay on the phone with me.”
Emily began to cry.
Then a man's voice sounded in the background.
May you like
“Tell your sister Kessler sends his regards.”
The call went dead.
