Chapter 6 - Dawn Over the EstateThe first rays of golden autumn sunlight broke over the manicured lawns and stone walls of the Moretti estate, painting the skyline of Chicago in shades of amber and rose.
I stood on the wide stone balcony outside the master suite, wearing a fresh blouse Adrien had had brought up by a thoroughly terrified, wide-eyed housekeeper who wouldn't meet my eyes. The morning air was crisp, clean, and entirely free of chemical sweetness.
Footsteps approached softly behind me.
I didn't need to turn around to know it was Adrien. He handed me a steaming ceramic mug of black coffee. The scent of roasted beans was rich and grounding.
“The board held an emergency digital meeting at five this morning,” Adrien said quietly, leaning against the stone balustrade beside me. “Marcus’s confession was broadcast directly to every senior partner. His faction has been neutralized, and my position is fully secured.”
I took a slow sip of the coffee, letting the warmth spread through my chest. “And my employment status as a catering server?”
Adrien looked down at me, a genuine, rare smile softening the sharp lines of his face. “Resigned, effective immediately. Unless, of course, you'd prefer to sign a new contract as my head of private medical security and corporate risk assessment. The pay is triple what you made in the hospital, and the hours are... eventful.”
I let out a soft, genuine laugh—the first real laugh since I woke up in his bed under the red eye of a camera file.
May you like
“Let me think about it, Moretti,” I smiled, looking out toward the distant city skyline where normal people were waking up to ordinary lives. “I think I’ve had quite enough excitement for one week.”
Adrien didn't push. He simply raised his mug in a silent toast, watching the sunrise with me as the dark shadows of the night finally dissolved into the bright, uncompromising light of a brand-new day.
