Dr. Harrison froze.

The color drained from his face perfectly, like water running out of a sink. He took a slow, calculated step backward toward the French doors leading to the terrace.

“This is absurd,” Dr. Harrison said, his voice trembling slightly. “The man is clearly delusional. He faked his own death! Why are we listening to him?”

Luca didn't look at David. He looked exclusively at the doctor.

“You diagnosed Grace,” Luca said softly.

“I did! She had stage four lymphoma! I have the scans, Luca!”

“You signed her death certificate.”

“Because she died of cardiac arrest caused by the chemotherapy!”

Luca took a step toward him.

“Then why,” Luca asked, “did David find her watch in a New York pawn shop with your thumbprint on the receipt?”

“It’s a lie!” Harrison shouted, looking around the room. He pointed at me. “It’s probably the maid! They steal things all the time!”

I flinched, instinctively stepping back.

Luca didn't even acknowledge the accusation. He just kept walking toward Dr. Harrison.

“Marco,” Luca said calmly.

Marco and two guards flanked the doctor, cutting off his escape route.

“Wait!” Harrison panicked, raising his hands. “Luca, you know me! I’ve treated your family for twenty years!”

As Harrison raised his hands, the cuff of his expensive tuxedo jacket slipped back.

Gleaming under the chandelier was a heavy gold bracelet. It was distinctly vintage, with a unique clasp.

Evelyn let out a choked cry.

“That’s my husband’s bracelet,” Evelyn whispered, pointing at Harrison’s wrist. “The one he was wearing the day he died in the boating accident.”

Everyone stared at the gold bracelet.

David’s face turned to pure fury.

“You son of a bitch,” David roared, lunging forward.

Marco intercepted David, holding him back, but the damage was done.

Harrison had just been caught wearing the jewelry of the man he helped ruin.

“Vanessa paid you,” Luca stated. It wasn't a question.

Harrison was hyperventilating, realizing he was entirely trapped.

“She threatened me!” Harrison cried, dropping to his knees. “She had gambling debts! She owed the Chicago syndicate! She told me if I didn't fake the scans and help her eliminate Grace, she would tell the commission about my malpractice suits!”

Disgust washed over Luca’s face.

“You killed my wife to cover up malpractice?”

“She was already sick, Luca!” Harrison pleaded. “The poison Vanessa gave her just... expedited it. I only signed the papers!”

Luca stood over the kneeling doctor.

“Take him to the basement. Put him in the room next to Vanessa.”

As the guards dragged a screaming Dr. Harrison away, the dining room felt like a battlefield after the smoke had cleared.

Guests were whispering frantically. Some were calling their drivers to leave.

Luca turned to his guests.

“Dinner is over. Everyone out. Now.”

The room emptied in less than three minutes.

Only Luca, Sophie, Evelyn, David, and I remained.

I was standing near the wall, still clutching my service tray, unsure if I was still fired.

Luca looked at David.

“You have your proof,” Luca said. “But you let my daughter believe her mother died of a natural disease for four years. You let her mourn you.”

“I had to be certain, Luca,” David pleaded.

“You broke her heart twice,” Luca said coldly.

He crouched down in front of Sophie, who was staring at her grandfather.

“Are you okay, sweetheart?” Luca asked softly.

Sophie wiped her eyes. She looked at David, then at Luca.

“Is Mom really gone?” Sophie whispered.

“Yes, baby,” Luca said, his voice cracking. “I’m so sorry.”

Sophie nodded slowly. Then she looked at me.

“Emma?”

I stepped forward hesitantly. “Yes, Sophie?”

“Can you stay?” she asked. “Please?”

Luca looked at me.

He remembered Vanessa firing me. He remembered I was the only person who had stood up for Evelyn tonight.

“Emma,” Luca said, standing up. “You aren't a maid anymore. You are Sophie’s personal guardian. Double your salary.”

I swallowed hard. “Yes, Mr. Moretti.”

Before anyone could say another word, Marco burst back into the dining room. He looked panicked.

“Boss,” Marco gasped. “Vanessa is gone.”

TITLE: THE ROSARY LEFT IN THE EMPTY CELL