The words left my mouth with casual finality, as if I'd just ordered tea instead of a man's death. The silence that followed was deafening.
"Yes, sir," Bradley replied without hesitation.
Jordan's face drained of all color. His mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for air. "You can't be serious."
I tightened my grip on his collar. "Deadly serious."
The ballroom erupted in whispers and gasps. I could hear fragments of panicked conversations echoing off the marble walls.
"Did he just—"
"Order a murder?"
"In front of everyone?"
Jordan found his voice, high-pitched with terror. "You're insane! This is a room full of witnesses! My family will—"
"Your family will what?" I cut him off. "Mourn a son who died from injuries sustained in a tragic accident?"
I released his collar and stepped back. Jordan swayed on his feet, cradling his broken wrist against his chest.
"Bradley," I said calmly. "Take him outside. I don't want blood on Clara's floors."
