Chapter 4 - THE MAN BEHIND THE EMPIRE
Nicholas Grimaldi had inherited a criminal empire at thirty-two.
By forty-one, he controlled legitimate shipping companies, warehouses, construction contracts, and businesses whose actual ownership rarely appeared on official documents.
People called him ruthless.
They were not entirely wrong.
But the man who entered my room that afternoon carried a small cardboard box and looked strangely uncertain.
“I brought your belongings.”
He placed the box beside my bed.
Inside were my work shoes, my phone, my wallet, and the cheap silver necklace my mother had given me when I turned sixteen.
I picked up the necklace.
“Thank you.”
Nicholas sat down.
“Your brother is coming.”
I froze.
“What?”
“He called the estate. He was worried.”
My heart raced.
“Is he okay?”
“Yes. Luca arranged transportation once the roads reopened.”
I closed my eyes.
“I'm sorry.”
Nicholas frowned.
“For what?”
“For causing trouble.”
He looked at me.
“Emily, I'm beginning to think you've been apologizing for other people's behavior for a very long time.”
I didn't answer.
He leaned back.
“I've reviewed the household accounts.”
I looked up.
“Richard has been deducting money from employees without authorization. Some of those deductions appear fraudulent.”
I swallowed.
“Will everyone get their money back?”
“Yes.”
“All of it?”
“With interest where appropriate.”
I stared at him.
He continued.
“I've also discovered that several staff members were threatened with termination for reporting safety problems.”
“That sounds like Richard.”
Nicholas nodded.
“Apparently.”
He looked toward the window.
“Do you know what bothers me most?”
I waited.
“That I didn't know.”
I thought about Maria's words.
Then I asked something I probably shouldn't have.
“Did you ever ask?”
Nicholas turned.
Silence filled the room.
I felt my face grow hot.
“I'm sorry.”
“No.”
He raised a hand.
“Don't apologize.”
He considered the question.
Finally, he said, “Not often enough.”
I looked at him.
“Richard told us you didn't want to be bothered with staff problems.”
Nicholas's expression hardened.
“He said that?”
“Yes.”
He looked away.
For several seconds, he seemed to be examining something unpleasant inside himself.
Then he stood.
“I'm going to change that.”
I wanted to believe him.
But I had heard promises before.
My father's employer had promised compensation after the accident that killed my parents.
The insurance company had promised a quick settlement.
Our landlord had promised flexibility when I fell behind on rent.
Promises were easy.
Keeping them was expensive.
Nicholas reached the door.
“Emily?”
“Yes?”
“Your brother can stay for dinner.”
I smiled faintly.
“He eats enough for three people.”
Nicholas's mouth moved.
“Then I'll warn the kitchen.”
May you like
It was the first time I'd seen him smile.
And for some reason, that frightened me more than his anger.
