Chapter 3 - The Interrogation of the Hall
The grand entrance hall of the Lake Forest estate was lined with marble columns and illuminated by massive bronze sconces. Twenty-four employees—housekeepers, chefs, groundskeepers, and private security guards—stood in a rigid line under the watchful eyes of Marco’s armed personnel. The atmosphere was thick with tension; every employee knew the brutal reputation of Adrien Moretti.
Adrien stood at the top of the sweeping staircase, his sleeves rolled up, his dark eyes scanning the faces below. Beside him stood Sophie, clutching her doll, while Elena watched from two steps behind, terrified for her daughter’s safety.
"Two hours ago, my infants were subjected to acoustic torture inside their own nursery," Adrien announced, his calm voice carrying across the silent hall. "A device was planted inside the subfloor. Access to that second-floor wing is restricted exclusively to keycard holders."
A murmur of shock rippled through the staff, but it was quickly silenced when Marco stepped forward, pulling a heavy silver tray from a side table. On it lay a small, black circuit board no larger than a coin, dripping with freshly cut wiring.
"This was extracted three minutes ago," Marco said. "It requires physical installation and precise technical knowledge of our security wiring."
Adrien walked down the stairs slowly, stopping a few feet away from his chief engineer, a man named Donald who had managed the estate's systems for six years. "Donald. You updated the security wiring in the east wing last Thursday, didn't you?"
Donald’s face paled instantly. "Mr. Moretti, I swear on my life! I only worked on the circuit breakers near the garage!"
Sophie suddenly tugged on Adrien’s shirt sleeve. Adrien paused, looking down at her. "What is it, Sophie?"
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"The man with the shiny watch," Sophie whispered, pointing her finger directly at the assistant security director standing next to Donald. "He smells like the cold closet where the machines live."
The assistant director, a veteran guard named Vance, stiffened. Without a word, Vance reached into his inner coat pocket, drawing a concealed firearm.
