Gino’s gaze detached from Ray, glazing over slightly as a memory from three days ago slammed to the forefront of his mind.
(Flashback: Three days ago.)
Gino stood at attention in the Head Butler's office. Warren had his back turned to him, staring silently at the wall of framed photographs that chronicled his life's work from Warren holding a young Lady Jane to Warren standing stoically behind the Starr siblings during their academy inductions. A lifetime of service.
"Five years, Gino… Five years of grueling work. You have mastered the ledgers, you have navigated the family's temperaments, managed the staffers, and you understand the responsibility of supporting this house."
Warren said quietly, breaking the heavy silence. He finally turned around, his usually stern face softened by a rare, genuine look of pride. Gino kept his posture rigid, though his heart began to pound against his ribs.
"I was simply doing my job, Mr. Ramada."
"Your work has been exceptional.”
Warren corrected.
"Your training is complete. I am confident that you are ready to take the mantle of Head Butler and support House Starr into the future."
Gino’s heart soared. It was everything he had worked and bled for. A massive smile threatened to break across his face.
"Thank you, sir. I swear to you, I will not let you down. You can finally rest."
Warren raised a single, weathered hand. The pride in his eyes vanished, darkening into a mask of grim, heavy duty.
"However. The official transition must be delayed. Indefinitely."
Gino’s smile shattered. He blinked, the air rushing out of his lungs.
"Sir? I... I don't understand. If my training is complete…"
"The family still needs me."
Warren interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"There is a highly sensitive task that has recently presented itself. It is a matter that only I can complete, and I cannot, in good conscience, retire until it is finished."
The news was devastating. Gino felt his ambition, his entire future, crumble into dust. Desperate, he stepped forward, breaking his formal posture.
"Then let me help you!"
Gino pleaded.
"Whatever this task is, let me shoulder the burden with you. If I am ready to be Head Butler, I am ready to handle this. Let me do the heavy lifting so you can step down!"
"No."
Warren’s voice was ice-cold, shutting him down instantly.
"This is not an estate business, Gino. This is a burden that is mine alone. You are not to assist me, and you are to ask no further questions regarding it."
Blinded by sudden grief and frustrated ambition, Gino lost his temper. His fists clenched at his sides.
"Is there even a task, sir?"
Gino demanded, his voice cracking with anger.
Warren’s eyes narrowed.
"Excuse me?"
"You made me work for five years for this position!"
Gino shouted, the betrayal boiling over.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
"You practically handed me the keys to the estate! And now, at the absolute last second, you invent some 'secret task'? Are you just making excuses? Are you just too arrogant to finally give up your power?!"
Warren didn't respond. He didn't defend himself against the accusation. He simply looked at Gino. His eyes held a profound, quiet understanding, recognizing that there is nothing he can say that would ease the young man's pain.
Without a word, Warren turned his back on Gino, returning his gaze to the photograph of young Lady Jane.
Gino stared at the Warren’s back, breathing heavily, his vision swimming with angry tears.
"Right. I understand perfectly."
Gino stormed out, slamming the heavy oak door behind him, fracturing their relationship forever.
(End of flashback.)
Gino blinked, the memory fading as the cold reality of the vacant parlor rushed back in. He looked up at Ray, his face pale and hollow.
"Yes…"
Gino whispered, his voice cracking.
"He was. And then he took it away. I was furious. I hated him for it."
Gino took a shuddering breath, the fear in his eyes dissolving into an agonizing regret.
"But that hatred only lasted a day."
he choked out, his hands trembling.
"I respected Mr. Ramada more than my own father. He built me into who I am. I was just too proud, too hurt to go back into his office and apologize. I slammed the door in his face, and I told myself I would make it right after the gala when things calmed down."
A tear spilled over his eyelid, tracing a line down his pale cheek.
"When you told me he was dead... I realized I would never get that chance. I wanted to help you find the killer because I owe Mr. Ramada so much. Catching his killer is the only apology I have left to give."