Chapter 2 - The Shadow at Table 23Victor DeLuca did not rush. Men who hold absolute power never have to hurry. At thirty-five, his dark hair, sharp jawline, and eyes like polished obsidian commanded obedience without a single raised word. He had been sitting quietly at Table 23 all evening
As Victor crossed the floor, his black Italian leather shoes clicked against the polished stone with rhythmic finality.
Ethan tried to recover his composure, forcing a nervous laugh as Victor approached. “V-Victor,” Ethan stammered, the casual confidence draining from his voice. “Didn’t see you there. Just teaching a clumsy waitress a lesson about respect—”
Victor didn't look at Ethan. He walked straight past him, knelt down onto the hard marble floor beside Anna, and extended a large, steady hand.
“Can you stand?” Victor asked, his voice low, rich, and entirely devoid of the poison that had just filled the room.
Anna looked up into his dark eyes, stunned. Trembling, she placed her hand in his. Victor lifted her effortlessly, keeping one hand steady on her arm until she was stable, then turned his gaze toward Marcus.
“Get her a glass of water in the private office, Marcus,” Victor instructed, leaving no room for argument. “And ensure she is paid for a full week, effective immediately, regardless of what happens next.”
Marcus nodded frantically. “Right away, Mr. DeLuca.”
Once Anna had been safely escorted toward the back corridors, Victor turned around. The silence in La Bernardine Palace was so absolute that the hum of the refrigeration units in the kitchen sounded like thunder. Victor stepped directly into Ethan’s personal space, towering over him by several inches.
“You put your hands on a woman in a room full of people,” Victor said softly, the quiet menace in his tone far more terrifying than a shout.
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“She ruined my jacket!” Ethan protested defensively, though his voice cracked. “My father is Richard Caldwell! You can’t—”
“Your father builds skyscrapers, Ethan,” Victor interrupted, his expression chillingly flat. “I bury foundations. And as of tonight, every single corporate contract, banking line, and real estate permit your family relies on in this city is under review.”
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