I woke up the next day refreshed and feeling alive. The office will be buzzing today, with everyone in to greet Aria. Walking into my office, I find a pile of paperwork I need to get through. Before I could even sit, Emilio was at my door.
“Aria should be here soon. Luca wants to see you in his office.”
“Okay,” I nod my head.
“Heads up, I told him you didn’t return his calls because you found out about the engagement.”
“Did he ask how?”
“He already knew that you knew.”
Emilio walked off—not looking twice in my direction. He was good at this. Grabbing a notebook and pen, I go to my brother’s office.
“Why did I need to send Emilio to you yesterday?” was his first question.
“You could have come yourself to tell me how you are marrying me off to a stranger.”
“Emilio said he talked some sense into you.” Luca leaned back on his chair. “Is that true?”
“Yes,” I admitted. “He reminded me that I still had a voice even when told what to do.”
“Hm. Maybe I should send him more often.”
“Wait, how did you know that I knew?”
“Alfie came clean and told me what happened. How you made a deal in which you then threw in his face and threatened to use it against him.”
“He did?” I was surprised.
“You keep up with kind of reputation, and no one will trust you to hold your word.”
“I know. I let my emotions get the best of me.”
Luca sat back in his chair. “This marriage is for the best, B, I promise.”
“Not exactly sure how.”
“Lucky for you, Emilio made a good point last night. So everything is placed on hold for now.”
A burst of relief made me smile, “I should thank him.” I got to my feet.
“Hold off on that. Alfie is already on thin ice with him. He wasn’t thrilled that Alfie had blurted out the information confidentially. In the meantime, you go make amends with Alfie.”
I place my hand on my hip, “Why do you entertain him?”
Luca shrugged, “I like the kid. He has potential.”
“But Emilio doesn’t seem to agree.”
“Emilio isn’t the one in charge.”
Changing the subject, “What was your voicemail about?” I questioned.
“There was a large delivery of flowers sent to the penthouse to Aria from Nate Reilly.”
“Okay?” I questioned, not understanding the issue.
“I called to see if you knew anything about him.”
