Chapter 4 - The Silent Treatment
When Elena returned home at nine o'clock, she found Daario sitting in the dark study, holding an unpoured tumbler of bourbon.
Sophia had already hurried upstairs to finish her science homework, sensing the crackling tension in the air.
"You humiliated me in front of the most powerful lawmaker in the Midwest," Daario said, his voice dropping into the terrifying register he used with criminal competitors.
Elena didn't take off her wool coat; she stood in the center of the study, looking at him with steady, unbothered grace.
"I didn't invite Senator Campbell to our home, Daario. You did."
"You knew he was coming! I told you this morning before I left for the office!"
"You told me to have the chef prepare dinner," Elena corrected him, her voice smooth and unyielding.
"The private chef’s contract expired two weeks ago. I sent the renewal papers to your personal desk three separate times, and you ignored every single one of them because you were reviewing Vivien’s promotional campaign."
Daario opened his mouth to shout, but the words died in his throat like dry dust.
He vaguely remembered seeing the blue domestic folders on his desk, pushing them aside to make room for maritime press portfolios.
"You manage the household staff, Elena! That is your duty!"
"No, Daario. That was my gift to you," Elena said, stepping closer to his desk.
"A duty comes with authority, respect, and compensation. A gift is given freely out of love. When you told the city on Saturday night that another woman saved your life, you made it clear that my gifts have no value."
"Vivien handled the federal subpoenas!" Daario roared, standing up from his chair until he loomed over her.
"She handled the media! She stopped the press from tearing our family apart!"
Elena smiled, a sad, heartbreaking smile that made his chest ache in ways he couldn't comprehend.
"Vivien handled the cameras, Daario. Who do you think sat in Assistant Attorney Vance’s living room until three in the morning, convincing his wife not to sign the grand jury indictment against you?"
Daario felt the room tilt violently beneath his feet.
"What did you say?"
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"I gave up my pride to save your neck six months ago," Elena whispered, her eyes shining with quiet tears.
"I traded my family’s social reputation to keep you out of a federal penitentiary, and I never asked for a round of applause at a gala. But you couldn't even remember to mention your wife's name in front of our daughter."
