Chapter 9 - The Poisoned Toast
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Upstairs on the second floor, Claire Bennett was gently smoothing a silk comforter over Evelyn Carter’s resting frame.
Dr. Rossi had already arrived, administering pain medication and dressing the old woman's scarred, exhausted hands with soothing cream.
"She is sleeping peacefully now, Claire," the doctor whispered, packing his medical bag.
"The emotional shock was severe, but her heart is remarkably strong for a woman who has endured so much."
"Thank you, Doctor," Claire replied quietly, walking him to the bedroom door.
As Claire returned to the hallway, she noticed the bridal suite door standing slightly ajar down the corridor.
Curious, Claire stepped toward the room to ensure Vanessa had not left any personal belongings that might cause trouble.
On the mahogany vanity table, nestled behind an ornate silver perfume bottle, lay a small, amber glass vial.
Claire picked it up with a clean linen cloth, noticing that the dropper inside was coated with an odorless, clear residue.
Beside the vial was a handwritten note scrawled on heavy cardstock: Two drops in Frank’s private reserve before the midnight toast.
Claire’s breath caught in her throat as ice flooded her veins.
She remembered seeing Donna Bellini lingering near the banquet buffet just before Evelyn had entered the dining hall.
Claire clutched the vial tightly in her hand and sprinted down the grand staircase, ignoring the rules of servant decorum.
She reached the entrance of the cellar just as Luca and Frank were emerging from the heavy iron doorway.
"Mr. Moretti! Luca!" Claire called out, her voice echoing urgently through the stone hallway.
Luca’s hand instantly went to his firearm, but he relaxed the moment he recognized the breathless maid.
"Claire, what's wrong? Is Evelyn all right?" Luca asked, stepping toward her with genuine concern.
"Evelyn is resting safely, sir, but you need to see this," Claire said, holding out the amber vial and the note.
"I found this hidden on the vanity in the bridal suite."
"Donna Bellini planned to poison your father’s wine during the midnight wedding toast."
Frank took the vial, holding it up to the dim light as his face hardened into stone.
"Liquid aconite," Frank murmured, recognizing the deadly, tasteless poison favored by old-world assassins.
Luca stared at the small bottle, then looked directly into Claire’s honest, courageous eyes.
"If Evelyn hadn't walked in when she did, and if you hadn't found this vial, my father would be dead within hours," Luca said.
He reached out, his large, calloused hand gently resting against Claire’s forearm in profound gratitude.
"You just saved my father’s life, Claire," Luca whispered, his dark eyes locking onto hers with intense warmth.
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"I will never forget what you did for this family tonight."
Claire felt a deep flush rise to her cheeks, realizing that beneath the feared mob boss was a man of extraordinary loyalty.
