Part 2

Three days later, Vanessa started arranging my removal from my own company.

She believed I was confined upstairs in my bedroom, helpless beneath silk sheets and expensive lies. She had no idea there were cameras in the library, microphones in the study, and a private elevator that opened directly into my security room.

At midnight, I watched her on six monitors.

She stood beside Daniel, my so-called best friend, pouring whiskey with a smile sharp enough to cut glass.

“He won’t last,” Daniel said. “The board will panic.”

Vanessa laughed. “Good. Once I marry him, I’ll push for medical guardianship. Then we transfer voting power. After that…” She lifted her glass. “Poor Adrian can recover in some quiet facility.”

My jaw tightened.

Daniel leaned nearer. “And the maid?”

Vanessa’s smile disappeared. “Fire her. She looks at him like he matters.”

I saved the recording.

The next morning, Vanessa entered my room carrying flowers like she was performing for an audience. Clara stood near the window, folding towels.

“My poor darling,” Vanessa said loudly, just in case anyone was listening. “I’ve spoken to a specialist. A private care center. Very peaceful.”

I looked up. “You want to send me away?”

“For your own good.” Her eyes flicked toward Clara. “And we’ll need to reduce staff. Some people are getting too attached.”

Clara’s fingers stilled.

Vanessa moved closer to her. “Pack your things by tonight.”

“No,” I said.

The room fell silent.

Vanessa turned slowly. “Excuse me?”

“Clara stays.”

Her face hardened. “You don’t give orders anymore, Adrian.”

I let the silence linger. Then I smiled faintly.

That was the first time fear appeared in her eyes.

She recovered quickly. “Fine. Keep your little maid. It won’t matter.”

But it did matter.

Because Clara had already found something.

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