Chapter 2 - THE MASTER RETURNS
The first whispers began in the kitchen.
The master was coming home.
Lorenzo Moretti rarely visited the upstate estate. At thirty-two, he controlled the organization his father had built, operating mainly from Manhattan. He was known for his cold judgment, his ruthless business instincts, and the absolute loyalty he demanded from those around him.
The staff treated his arrival like an approaching storm.
Mrs. Gable spent two days shouting orders. Silver was polished twice. The marble floors were scrubbed until they reflected the chandeliers. Fresh flowers arrived by the truckload.
Nora was given the hardest jobs.
“The study carpets need deep cleaning,” Mrs. Gable ordered. “By hand.”
Nora looked at the heavy brush and the bucket of water. “Could someone else do the carpets? My back has been hurting.”
“Then you should have thought about that before accepting a job.”
“My doctor said I shouldn't kneel for long periods.”
Mrs. Gable stepped closer. “Your doctor doesn't sign your paycheck.”
She grabbed Nora's shoulder. Her nails dug into the fabric.
“You have a roof over your head because Mr. Moretti allows it. Don't confuse charity with employment.”
Nora swallowed her reply.
For the next two days, she scrubbed, lifted, and carried until her lower back throbbed. She tried to hide her exhaustion from the other maids, but her balance had begun to falter.
Still, she visited Giovanni every evening.
On the night before Lorenzo's arrival, she limped into room 4B carrying mashed potatoes and roasted chicken.
“I'm sorry I'm late, Mr. John,” she said. “The cellar stairs took forever.”
She set the tray down and rubbed her aching back.
“I think Lily is practicing karate in there.”
Giovanni's eyes followed her. He noticed the bruises around her wrists where Mrs. Gable had grabbed her. His fingers strained against the wheelchair armrest, but he could not lift his hand.
He wanted to tell her to stop working.
He wanted to tell her that no job was worth risking her child.
All he could do was watch.
The next morning, a blizzard descended over the estate. Snow buried the drive, and the sky turned a bruised shade of purple.
At 10:15, a convoy of black SUVs came through the gates.
Lorenzo Moretti stepped out of the lead vehicle wearing a tailored midnight-black overcoat. He was tall, sharply built, with dark hair, a defined jaw, and piercing gray eyes. Four bodyguards followed him into the foyer.
The staff stood in a line.
Mrs. Gable stepped forward with a polished smile.
“Welcome home, Mr. Moretti. Everything is prepared exactly as you requested.”
Lorenzo removed his gloves. “My father?”
“Oh, the dear man is doing wonderfully,” she replied. “We treat him like a king. He is comfortable and happy.”
Nora stood near the back of the line.
She felt disgust rise in her throat. She wanted to tell Lorenzo about the freezing room, the cold oatmeal, and the neglect. But the man's presence frightened her. He looked like someone who had never needed to repeat an order.
Lorenzo barely glanced at Mrs. Gable.
“I'll see him after I handle some business. Make sure no one disturbs me.”
He disappeared down the hall.
Mrs. Gable turned sharply toward the staff.
“Listen carefully. Nobody speaks to Mr. Moretti unless he addresses you. Nobody mentions the east wing. And nobody tells him about the old man's little routines.”
Her eyes settled on Nora.
“Especially you.”
Nora lowered her head.
“Yes, ma'am.”
But that afternoon, while carrying clean towels past the study, she heard Lorenzo's voice through the partly open door.
“Five years, and nobody can tell me whether my father understands what is happening around him?”
A second man answered. “The doctors say his condition is stable. His cognition is difficult to assess.”
“Then find a doctor who can assess it.”
Nora paused.
Lorenzo continued. “I want a complete review of his care. Every medication, every meal, every appointment.”
Mrs. Gable's voice joined the conversation.
“Of course, sir. We have everything under control.”
Nora moved away before she was discovered.
May you like
She had a feeling the house was about to change.
She only hoped it would not change in a way that cost her the one safe place she had found.
