Chapter 3 - THE GUEST WHO LEFT
Richard placed his phone beside his wineglass. “I was only checking a message.”
“Then you won't mind waiting while my security team checks the room.”
Vanessa looked at her father. “Daddy, tell him this is ridiculous.”
Richard remained composed. “Luca, my daughter has been under considerable stress. Perhaps she made a foolish mistake with the plates, but that doesn't mean—”
“Did you know about the silver box?”
“No.”
“Did you know she switched the plates?”
Richard paused. “I wasn't watching the servers.”
Luca studied him. “Neither was I. Emma was.”
Marco approached with two guards. “The camera system is secure. We're copying the footage now.”
“Good. No guest leaves until we've recorded their name and contact information. They can go afterward.”
Vanessa rose. “I am not staying here to be interrogated.”
“You're not being interrogated,” Luca said. “You're being asked to remain available while a possible poisoning is investigated.”
The private physician arrived fifteen minutes later. He examined Luca, confirmed that he had not eaten from the switched plate, and advised that no one touch or taste the food. The plate, vial, and leaves were sealed for laboratory analysis.
Luca asked Emma to join him in the study. Marco remained by the door.
“Tell me exactly what happened. Don't leave anything out because you think it sounds unimportant.”
Emma described the chef's instructions, Vanessa's movements, the plate switch, and the green leaves. She explained that she had kept the kitchen ticket because the meal assignments seemed important.
“Why didn't you report it immediately?” Marco asked.
“I tried to find the head server. Then I saw Mr. Moretti reaching for the plate.”
“You could have told a guard.”
“I didn't know whether they'd listen. Miss Bellini had already threatened to have me fired.”
Luca's jaw tightened. “Did she threaten you before tonight?”
“Last Tuesday. She said I was replaceable after I refused to let her take food into the private office.”
Luca looked at the kitchen ticket. “This proves what the chef prepared. It doesn't prove what was added afterward.”
“I know.”
“Your honesty matters. Don't turn an observation into a conclusion.”
A knock sounded. One of the guards entered.
“Boss, Mr. Bellini has asked to leave. He says he has an appointment.”
“Tell him to wait.”
The guard hesitated. “He's already outside. His car left three minutes ago.”
Luca's expression hardened. “Find out where he's going. Don't approach him.”
Then he looked at Emma. “Your shift is over. A driver will take you home.”
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“I can take the train.”
“Not tonight.”
