Chapter 4 - The Gatehouse Reckoning
The wrought-iron security gates of the Moretti estate looked like a war zone.
Grant Hayes—a slick, sweating man in a cheap trench coat—was backed up against the stone gatepost, his eyes wide with stark terror as Bruno stood two feet away, chest puffed out, teeth bared, emitting a low, vibrating growl that rattled the iron bars.
Clara had arrived just seconds ahead of Matteo, sprinting down the gravel drive in her uniform apron, breathless and terrified.
"Grant! What are you doing here?" Clara cried, stopping safely away from the dog.
Grant pointed a shaking finger at Bruno, then at Clara. "You—you crazy bitch! You’re living in a mobster’s mansion while I’m drowning in your father’s debts! You signed those property waivers over to me or I’ll—"
He didn't finish the threat.
A black armored sedan glided down the drive, stopping inches from the gatehouse. The rear door swung open, and Matteo Moretti stepped out.
He didn't run. He walked with the slow, terrifying grace of a tiger entering an open clearing. Every guard snapped to attention. Bruno instantly lowered his posture, his tail giving a single, obedient thump against the gravel as Matteo walked past him without a glance.
Matteo stopped two feet from Grant Hayes. The ex-husband looked like he was about to faint.
"You made a mistake coming here, Mr. Hayes," Matteo said, his voice smooth, cold, and entirely devoid of human warmth.
"I—I have legal rights! She’s my ex-wife! She owes me—"
"She owes you nothing," Matteo interrupted, stepping closer. "In fact, according to my legal team’s review of your financial records filed this morning, you owe a forty-thousand-dollar settlement to her late father’s estate, which you embezzled prior to your divorce."
Grant’s face drained of all color. "That’s—that’s a lie! You can't prove—"
"I don't need to prove anything in a courtroom, Grant," Matteo said softly, leaning in close so only Grant could hear. "This is private property. And if you ever come within ten miles of Clara, or this estate, again... I won't set Bruno on you. I’ll handle it personally. Do we understand each other?"
May you like
Grant nodded frantically, unable to speak, his knees buckling slightly.
"Arthur," Matteo called out without turning around. "Escort Mr. Hayes off the property and ensure he understands that his debts in this state have just been cleared by my holding company—meaning he now answers directly to me."
