Chapter 21: The Woman Behind the Order

Moretti House did not sleep after the attack.

By sunrise, the dead intruder had a name: Marcus Vale. Former private security. Former driver. Former employee of Evelyn Whitmore's charity foundation.

Scarlett sat in Alexander's study with a bruise darkening her cheek and a blanket across her lap. She refused to return to her room.

Luca placed a folder on the desk. 'Marcus received three payments before the attack. All routed through shell accounts.'

Alexander's eyes remained cold. 'Connected to Evelyn?'

'One account links to her foundation. But the final transfer came from a company registered under Victoria's assistant.'

Scarlett's fingers tightened around the blanket. 'Victoria.'

Luca hesitated. 'Maybe. Or someone using her.'

Scarlett almost laughed. 'Everyone keeps saying maybe, but my family keeps appearing behind every crime.'

Alexander looked at her. 'We need proof strong enough to survive court, press, and war.'

'Then get me close to Victoria.'

'No.'

The answer was instant.

Scarlett lifted her chin. 'I was not asking permission.'

Alexander's jaw hardened. 'A man entered this house to take you. Someone shot him before he could name the woman responsible. You will not walk into their reach.'

'I cannot walk anywhere, remember?'

Regret flickered across his face, but Scarlett did not soften.

'They think I am afraid,' she continued. 'They think the bruise on my face will send me back into hiding. Let them think that. Then invite Victoria to come gloat.'

Alexander stared at her for a long moment.

'You are becoming dangerous,' he said.

Scarlett smiled without warmth. 'I learned from the best.'

That afternoon, a message was sent to Victoria from Scarlett's personal phone.

I am tired. I want to talk. Alone.

Victoria replied within seven minutes.

Tomorrow. The Whitmore winter garden. No Moretti.

Scarlett showed the message to Alexander.

He read it once. 'She thinks you are broken.'

'Good,' Scarlett said. 'Broken things cut deeply when handled carelessly.'