Chapter 7 - Genevieve’s Ultimatum
While Weston stared at the computer screen in the underground vault, a storm of a different kind was brewing in the grand parlor upstairs.
Genevieve Marchetti had returned unannounced, bypassing the front gate security by flashing her engagement ring like a badge of authority. She stood by the fireplace, her expression cold and calculating, as she confronted Elena in the hallway.
"Where is Weston?" Genevieve demanded, tapping her designer stiletto against the marble floor.
"I... I don't know, Miss Marchetti," Elena said nervously, keeping herself positioned between the hallway and Nadia's old nursery where Mia was resting. "He has business in the lower levels."
Genevieve scoffed, stepping closer. "Business. Right. Listen to me carefully, maid. I know what game you're playing. You think because Weston brought you and your brat into this house out of some pathetic moment of misplaced pity that you actually belong here? You're nothing more than a charity case. A stray dog he'll kick back out onto the street the moment the wedding bells ring."
Elena’s spine stiffened. The fear that had defined her life for the past three years suddenly hardened into a protective fury. She thought of Julian, of the bread and water in that cold apartment, and of the man who had given her daughter a safe place to sleep.
"You can insult me all you want," Elena said, her voice steady and clear. "You can call us whatever names make you feel powerful. But Mr. Kade is a good man. He has a heart you'll never understand."
Genevieve’s eyes flashed with venom. She raised her hand sharply, aiming a vicious slap across Elena’s face—
Before her hand could land, a heavy, iron-grip caught Genevieve’s wrist mid-air with bone-crushing force.
Genevieve gasped, turning around.
Weston stood at the end of the hallway. His face was entirely devoid of color, his eyes burning with a dark, terrifying fury that made even Genevieve’s breath catch in her throat.
"Touch her again," Weston whispered, his voice dangerously low, "and I will feed you to the river dogs before dinner."
He shoved her wrist away with disgust. Genevieve stumbled back, rubbing her bruised arm, her face twisting in shock and humiliation.
"Weston! Have you lost your mind?!" she shrieked. "You're threatening me—your future wife—over a common maid and her brat?! My father will hear about this! The alliance is over!"
"The alliance was built on a lie, Genevieve," Weston said coldly, stepping between her and Elena. "Just like everything else your family touches."
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Genevieve froze, sensing the tectonic shift in the air. "What are you talking about?"
"Tell Silas Marchetti that the game is up," Weston replied, his voice echoing through the grand hallway. "And tell Marcus... tell him I'm waiting for him in the courtyard."
