“No. Vanessa won’t be there this time.” My frown deepened at the memory of my eighteen-year-old ex-lover shooting daggers at Vera during Angelo’s birthday party last month.
“Has Angelo spoken with Liam O’Reilly?”
“Yes. Liam cut ties with Saira. She’s bad business. No profit, no future value.”
“Good.” Vera pivoted with ease. “I’ll start on risotto for dinner.”
“Uh, about that.” I arched a brow. “Just follow the instructions this time.” The last round of her risotto still lived in infamy: more paste than perfection.
“Do you want to cook?” She planted her hands on her hips, lips pursed in challenge.
“I cooked last night. It’s your turn, sweetheart.” I winked, unable to resist. I’d once suggested cooking lessons with the Michelin-star chef, Pietro De Luca, but she refused flat out, claiming she’d had her fill of chefs.
REVELATIONS
Vera
Saira’s arrest wasn’t a surprise.
The day it happened, I was stuck in a boardroom downtown, holding back-to-back meetings and pretending I had my shit together. Part of me was glad for the excuse; facing Saira—her drama, her chaos—still twisted something in my chest. I hadn’t set foot near the jet, but Alistair had. He ensured everything was done by the book. Her world fell apart when Lieutenant Frank Berry, one of the few cops she couldn’t buy, handcuffed and escorted her off Alistair’s private jet a few days ago.
News in Lester Harbor spread fast, but hearing it straight from Sapphire? That hit different.
Sunlight filled the penthouse kitchen, glazing the countertops and reflecting off the harbor on Saturday afternoon. Sapphire perched on a counter stool, twisting her long chestnut hair into a messy knot. She rocked in faded jeans and a vintage band tee, channeling that unmistakable ‘shit just got real’ familyenergy. She wrapped her hands around a warm coffee mug, holding on like it might help.
“That bitch never stood a chance against your man.” Sapphire’s words broke the quiet. “Lieutenant Berry walked onto Alistair’s jet and read her rights like it was nothing. She tried to bribe him, classic Saira, but he slapped the cuffs on her as if he’d been waiting for this day.”
I took the stool opposite her, sunlight glinting off her blue eyes. “Yeah, I know Berry. Alistair’s a fan.”
Sapphire nodded, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “You should’ve seen Saira when Alistair showed up. She went full Casper—pale as hell.”
I couldn’t help but grin, ear to ear. “Bet she realized the party was over.”
“Oh, trust me, she did. Alistair glared at her and said Berry’s team tore through her place. Drugs in the kitchen, the gun in Damian’s old closet, files on everyone she ever blackmailed.”
I tried to picture it: Saira blending into her white fur jacket, the shock wiping color from her face, as the game crashed down around her. “Zero chance at bail, huh?” I asked, mainly for the pleasure of hearing it out loud.
Sapphire let out a short, savage laugh. “None. She’s locked up. No bond. No rescue squad. She’s not getting out this time.”
“Thank God.” I leaned back, savoring this victory. “Well, Damian’s safe. He’s with us now. She’s done. She can’t touch him.”
Sapphire arched a brow. “So what’s the plan with the kid? Full-on foster mom vibes?”
I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face. “I’m adopting him. Shared parenting with Alistair.”
“That boy deserves way better than Saira,” Sapphire said. “He’s got a shot at a real future now.”
The kitchen felt too bright, too normal for a day like this. Outside, boats drifted on the water, tourists strolled the boardwalk, and the world turned as if nothing had changed.
But inside, everything was different.
Later that night, tucked against Alistair on the sofa, our talk drifted back to Saira’s downfall. He gave me that slow, knowing smile. “Sweetheart, did you know Sapphire is quite an actress? She was the star of the show.”
“I know,” I whispered, tracing his jaw and kissing him there.
“If she ever wants a career in film or TV, let me know.” He popped open the collar of his polo, giving me that lazy grin.
I leaned in and pressed a kiss to the warm skin just beneath it. “Don’t give her crazy ideas. She’s willing to try anything a little wild.”
