Chapter 2 - THE RING HE THOUGHT HE HAD LOST
By midnight, Clara was sitting in a private guest room inside the Russo estate.
She couldn't remember the last time anyone had made her comfortable without expecting something in return.
A fire burned in the marble fireplace.
A tray of soup sat on the table.
A physician had examined her and confirmed that the baby appeared healthy.
Yet Clara couldn't relax.
Maximilian had disappeared after the doctor left.
She wondered if he regretted bringing her inside.
A knock came at the door.
She expected Mrs. Gable.
Instead, Maximilian entered.
He had changed into a dark sweater.
Without the expensive suit and intimidating entourage, he looked strangely ordinary.
Almost tired.
“May I?”
Clara nodded.
He sat across from her.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then he placed something on the table.
A photograph.
Clara picked it up.
It showed a younger Maximilian standing beside an older man.
“My father,” he said.
Clara looked at him.
“He died?”
“Yes.”
“What happened?”
Maximilian's expression became distant.
“He trusted the wrong person.”
Clara lowered the photograph.
“I’m sorry.”
“You don't need to be.”
“I know.”
He looked at her.
“You always say things like that.”
“Like what?”
“Things that make people feel less alone.”
She smiled faintly.
“My father used to say I talked too much.”
“Your father is in the hospital.”
Her smile disappeared.
“Yes.”
“How long?”
“Almost two months.”
“What happened?”
“Heart failure.”
Maximilian nodded.
“Why didn't you tell me?”
Clara laughed softly.
“We met in a dark closet while men were trying to kill you.”
“Fair point.”
It was the first time she saw humor in his eyes.
It startled her.
She looked away.
“Your ring.”
Maximilian touched the table.
“I thought it was gone.”
“You gave it to me.”
“I know.”
“You said it would help me find you.”
“I meant it.”
“But I didn't know your name.”
“I couldn't tell you.”
“Why?”
His eyes hardened.
“Because anyone who knew my identity could become a target.”
Clara understood.
She looked down at the ring.
“I wore it because it was the only thing I had from that night.”
Maximilian was silent.
Then he asked the question neither of them had wanted to ask.
“Why didn't you contact anyone?”
“I tried.”
His brow furrowed.
“How?”
“I searched the internet. There were dozens of Russo companies. I didn't know which one was yours.”
“You could have contacted the hotel.”
“I did.”
“And?”
“They said no guest matching my description had requested information.”
Maximilian's eyes narrowed.
“That wasn't true.”
Clara looked at him.
“Someone blocked the inquiry.”
A chill moved through her.
“Why?”
“I don't know yet.”
He stood.
“Until I do, you're staying here.”
Clara immediately shook her head.
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because I'm an employee.”
“You're not anymore.”
Her stomach dropped.
“You fired me?”
“No.”
“Then what?”
“I promoted you.”
She stared.
“To what?”
“My personal assistant.”
She almost laughed.
“I don't know how to be a personal assistant.”
“Neither do most people who claim they can.”
That almost made her smile.
Then he became serious.
“You won't work while pregnant.”
“I need money.”
“You'll be paid.”
“I don't want charity.”
“It's not charity.”
“What is it?”
“Child support.”
“We're not married.”
“I know.”
“And I don't know you.”
“I know.”
She looked at him for a long moment.
“Then why are you doing this?”
Maximilian's answer was quiet.
“Because six months ago, you saved my life.”
He paused.
“And because you shouldn't have to choose between eating and protecting your child.”
Clara looked down.
For the first time in months, she allowed herself to breathe.
But somewhere upstairs, another woman was preparing to destroy everything.
Her name was Vanessa Hale.
She had loved Maximilian for eight years.
She had been raised around the Russo family.
She knew their secrets.
And she had always believed one day Maximilian would choose her.
Until Clara arrived.
Vanessa stared at the ring in an old photograph on her phone.
Then she opened a hidden file.
Inside were documents.
Medical records.
Bank transfers.
Photographs.
And one name.
Elena Jenkins.
Clara's mother.
May you like
Vanessa smiled.
“You should never have come back,” she whispered.
