Chapter 42

Anderson walked briskly down the hallway, his footsteps echoing off the cold, polished floors. The sound bounced back at him, amplifying the heavy silence of the mansion. His chest tightened with every step, his mind racing as the butler's lingering expression gnawed at him. The thought of someone so close harbouring doubts—or worse, secrets—made his blood boil.

He reached his study and collapsed into the armchair, its leather creaking beneath his weight. Anderson pulled out his phone, his hands trembling. He scrolled through his contacts, his thumb pausing over the name he needed.

The line rang twice before a cold, professional voice answered, “Yes, sir?”

"I want a full background check on the butler," Anderson said, his voice clipped and direct. "Every detail. Leave nothing out."

There was a brief pause on the other end, the agent clearly surprised by the sudden request. "Of course, sir. We’ll begin the investigation immediately. Is there anything specific you’d like us to focus on?