“So, he’s working on something with Morgan.”
“It appears so. An anonymous hotel room with a connecting door gives them the perfect opportunity to hold a business meeting in private.”
“Do you think it involves the sisters?”
I can only believe that’s the reason they’re meeting because Raphael is just the kind of man to seize the opportunity and one third of the fortune. It may even make his retirement more profitable than his occupation, and my heart freezes at the thought of that monster near any one of the girls.
“I do. It’s too much of a coincidence, so the meeting should be an interesting one if you agree to it happening.”
He makes a valid point because the only way we will discover her plans is if Rose meets with the woman herself, but my main concern remains. Is Rose strong enough?
36
ROSE
Iam already loving my new life and my new husband, but there is still something missing. Two, actually, and I can’t stop worrying about my sisters.
Over breakfast, I raise the subject even though Julius appears to be brooding about something.
“Have you heard anything regarding my sisters?”
I’m anxious, and it must show because his gaze softens, and he reaches for my hand.
“I’m sorry, no. That doesn’t mean its bad news though.”
“Why?”
“Because we agreed on radio silence until you were all safe.”
“So they’re not, safe, I mean.”
He shrugs, “If I know my brothers, they will be.”
“Your brothers?” I raise my eyes because this is news, and Julius nods, a slight guilty gleam in his eye.
“I told you I have three brothers. Nico runs Viper Holdings, our business empire. He is not involved in this. Simeon is my older brother and runs the entertainment side of ourbusiness. I believe he is escorting one of your sisters, and my younger brother, Joseph is responsible for the other.”
“What does he do?”
I’m curious and wait for answers.
“He runs our international operation and is currently stationed in London, England.”
My heart leaps. “That’s where Tiffany was going. He must be providing work for her.”
Julius says nothing, but from the expression in his eye, I’m not thinking straight. Then it dawns on me, and sickness replaces interest.
“They aren’t providing work, are they, Julius, any more than you were?”
My heart goes into free fall as I face the reality of our situation.
I glare at him as I see everything clearly.
“Three sisters, three brothers and one immeasurable fortune. Congratulations, Julius, you must be happy to have succeeded in your part of the mission.”
The words taste bitter, and Julius narrows his eyes, his hold tightening on my hand as he hisses, “I have been honest with you, Rose, and don’t appreciate your tone. I freely admitted that was the plan, and then I met you, and the plan took on a whole new meaning. Yes, it’s true that my brothers are on a similar path, and who knows how it will turn out for them, but know this and remember it well, I married you because I wanted to, and it wasn’t because of your fortune.”
He waves his hand around the room we are sitting in. “Does this look as if I need the money? Do you really believe your fortune is going to change anything in my life?”
