Chapter 6 - The Engagement Announcement
Tony knew the Vances would make their next move quickly.
He also knew that confronting Victor without evidence would be dangerous. The man controlled enough financial interests to create problems across several states, and his connections reached far beyond the family business.
So Tony decided to give him what he wanted.
A public appearance.
A celebration.
An engagement announcement.
On December 27, the Moretti estate hosted a second gathering. This time, the guest list was smaller, but the stakes were considerably higher.
Victor Vance arrived with Lana.
She wore a white designer gown and a diamond necklace that caught the light whenever she moved.
She smiled when she saw Tony.
"Darling. I was beginning to think you wouldn't invite us."
Tony kissed her cheek without warmth.
"There's something we need to discuss."
Lana glanced toward the staircase.
"Is the maid coming back?"
Tony's expression didn't change.
"Her name is Clara."
Lana laughed nervously.
"Of course. Clara."
Across the room, Victor watched them.
He approached Tony with an outstretched hand.
"I hope the Christmas incident hasn't caused too much trouble."
Tony shook it.
"Trouble has a way of revealing itself."
Victor's smile remained fixed.
"Young people make mistakes. I'm sure the girl will recover."
"She nearly died."
"An unfortunate accident."
Tony leaned closer.
"Accidents don't usually require someone to disable security cameras."
Victor's eyes flickered.
Then he laughed.
"Surely you aren't suggesting my daughter had anything to do with that."
"I'm suggesting nothing. Not yet."
Across the room, Clara stood beside Dominic.
She had been discharged from the hospital but was still recovering. Tony had insisted she attend only if she felt comfortable, and she had agreed because she wanted to face the people who had frightened her.
Lana noticed her.
For a moment, her expression became openly hostile.
Then she approached.
"You look better."
Clara said nothing.
Lana lowered her voice.
"You should be careful. People who become involved in things they don't understand tend to get hurt."
Clara looked directly at her.
"I already was."
Lana's smile disappeared.
Tony appeared beside them.
"Is there a problem?"
"No," Lana replied quickly.
Clara stepped away.
Victor watched the exchange with growing irritation.
Later, Tony gathered the guests in the main ballroom.
"I want to address the events of Christmas Eve," he announced.
The room fell silent.
"An employee was sent outside during a dangerous storm. The doors were locked. She was denied shelter. She nearly died."
Lana's face went pale.
Tony continued.
"I have instructed the estate's management to cooperate with the authorities. Anyone responsible will be held accountable."
Mrs. Gable was absent. She had been questioned by police and suspended pending the investigation.
Victor stepped forward.
"Tony, this is hardly the occasion."
Tony ignored him.
"There is also another matter. The engagement between Lana and me is over."
Gasps moved through the room.
Lana stared at him.
"What?"
Tony faced her.
"I will not marry someone who treats human life as disposable."
Her voice rose.
"You cannot humiliate me like this!"
"You humiliated yourself."
Victor approached.
"Think carefully, Moretti. This alliance benefits both families."
Tony's expression was ice.
"Then you should have protected it."
Lana turned toward Clara.
"This is because of her, isn't it? You've been waiting for an excuse to replace me."
Clara looked stunned.
Tony answered before she could.
"Clara has nothing to do with my decision."
Lana laughed bitterly.
"Of course. You're protecting your little charity case."
Tony stepped between them.
"Say one more word about her."
Victor grabbed his daughter's arm.
"Enough."
But Lana had already lost control.
She pointed at Clara.
"She stole something from this family. You have no idea what she found."
The room went silent.
Tony turned slowly.
"What did she find, Lana?"
Lana realized her mistake.
Victor's hand tightened around her arm.
"She's upset. Ignore her."
Tony looked at Victor.
"No. I think we'll hear her out."
Lana backed away.
Then the ballroom lights went dark.
A crash sounded near the entrance.
Dominic shouted for security.
When the emergency lights came on, Clara was gone.
Her phone lay broken on the marble floor.
Tony ran toward the side corridor.
Outside, tire tracks disappeared into the snow.
A guard approached, holding a folded piece of paper.
May you like
Tony opened it.
Bring the original ledger to Chicago. Come alone. Or the girl dies.
