Chapter 2: The Piece from the Apron
Returning to the dead-silent mansion, I ordered a complete lockdown of the internal communication system. In my closed office, the only person I allowed inside was Anna—the young maid who had saved my life. The red mark on her cheek had faded, but her intertwined hands were still trembling.
"Anna, take a seat," I pointed to the leather chair opposite me. "I owe you my life. But right now, I need you to remember exactly what you heard in the dressing room hallway."
Anna took a deep breath, looking up at me with determined eyes: "Mr. Victor, at that time, I was cleaning the wine cabinet behind the curtain. The Madam... no, Miss Isabella answered a phone call. She said: 'The poison is hidden in the boutonniere. I will drop it into his glass when we cut the cake. Everything will be ours.'"
"Did you hear the voice on the other end of the line?" I leaned forward, my heart pounding.
"No, sir," Anna shook her head, but then she paused, her eyes widening as if recalling a vital detail. "But before hanging up, she called out a name... She said: 'Don't worry, Julian. The Chairman's seat will be empty tonight'."
The name struck me like a lightning bolt. Julian. My half-brother. The one who always acted content, obediently standing behind me to help run the corporation. The one who personally poured that fateful glass of champagne and handed it to Isabella!
"Are you absolutely sure, Anna?" My voice trembled with fury.
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"I swear on my life!" Anna affirmed.
I stood up abruptly, the anger morphing into a cold flame that incinerated any remaining shred of brotherly affection. "You did excellently, Anna. From this moment on, you are no longer a maid. Prepare yourself; tomorrow, you will be the living witness in the greatest purge this family has ever seen."
