Chapter 5 - THE MAN WHO OWNED THE WRONG SIDE OF CHICAGO
Tessa took the job three days later.
Not because Roman persuaded her.
Because Naomi reviewed the contract, negotiated stronger protections, and confirmed that Tessa could resign without financial penalties.
Tessa also wanted access to Hawthorne House.
The restaurant hosted meetings between Mercer Urban executives and Northstar Freight representatives.
If someone was using Roman's empire to hide a conspiracy, Hawthorne House was a likely place to hear things.
Roman agreed to a strict condition.
“No investigating while you're serving,” he said.
Tessa raised an eyebrow.
“You're giving me rules?”
“I'm asking you not to put yourself in danger.”
“That's different.”
He nodded.
“Yes.”
Her first private event was uneventful.
The second wasn't.
Malcolm Vane arrived with two men in expensive suits.
He smiled when he saw Tessa.
“New girl?”
She kept her expression neutral.
“Tessa Vaughn.”
His smile faded.
Only for a moment.
Then returned.
“Vaughn?”
“Yes.”
He studied her face.
“Any relation to Thomas Vaughn?”
“My father.”
Vane's fingers tightened around his glass.
“How unfortunate.”
Tessa forced herself not to react.
“What would you like to drink?”
“Water.”
She poured it.
As she turned away, Vane caught her wrist.
“Your father was a difficult man.”
Tessa stopped.
“Let go.”
He smiled.
“Just making conversation.”
“Then use your words.”
Across the room, Roman stood.
“Malcolm.”
Vane released her.
Roman approached.
“Is there a problem?”
Tessa looked directly at him.
“Yes.”
The room went quiet.
Roman turned toward Vane.
“Then apologize.”
Vane laughed.
“Roman, surely—”
“Apologize.”
The smile disappeared.
Vane looked at Tessa.
“My mistake.”
Tessa stepped back.
“Don't make it again.”
Later, Roman found her near the service corridor.
“You handled that well.”
She folded her arms.
“I shouldn't have needed to.”
“You're right.”
She studied him.
“You're getting better at saying that.”
A faint smile appeared.
“Practice.”
Tessa almost smiled back.
Then remembered her father.
“Why is Vane still working for you?”
“Because we're tracing the money.”
“That's dangerous.”
“Yes.”
“Then why not remove him?”
Roman looked toward the dining room.
“Because whoever is behind him may disappear.”
Tessa frowned.
“Behind him?”
May you like
Roman's expression hardened.
“Vane isn't clever enough to build this alone.”
