Page 69 of The Strength Of A Woman

“What do you mean she’s missing?”

She spins slightly and gestures at the house in frustration.

“Aurora needs to leave earlier than she planned and wants to say goodbye to her. Her room is empty. It doesn’t look like she’s spent the night here.”

He shoots up, the chair almost falling backward, and right there, I get my confirmation of how important Leilani is in this deal.

Without her, their fragile world––as things stand right now––might collapse.

They know what I know. What I learned last night.

I let them go through the motions, talking loudly, and fueling the angst taking over their world.

Inside the corridor, Leilani’s friend looks downcast and possibly blames herself for blowing her best friend’s cover.

I don’t know whether Leilani talked to anyone last night.

And where is that dick, by the way?

I barely finish that thought, and Julian York walks out of the house, takes a couple of steps, gets a question or two about Leilani’s whereabouts from her grandparents, notices my presence here, and something tells him that he’d better bounce.

Within seconds, he makes himself invisible.

I’ll deal with him later.

The young woman inside the house has left too, while Giorgio picks up his phone to alert his entire crew to look for his granddaughter.

Nona heads our way when I stop everything with a gesture.

I’ve collected enough information so far.

“No need to call anyone. I’ve got Leilani.”

If a thunderbolt hit from the sky, Giorgio wouldn’t be more surprised. He shifts his focus to me while Sylvia’s hands peel off her hips.

“What do you exactly mean by that?” he asks.

“Please, take a seat. That’s why I’m here this morning. I’ve got a proposal for you.”

He stares at me, carved in stone, trying to understand.

“What’s going on?” she asks, unhappy with her husband’s reaction.

I flick my chin toward the chairs in front of me, inviting them to take a seat.

It’s quite enjoyable to have the upper hand in dealing with them, for a change.

My coffee arrives, and we’re all waiting for the server to walk back into the house before I speak.

“I would’ve much appreciated it if you two had told me about Stefano Varela’s interest in marrying your granddaughter. As you both know, Varela and I go way back,” I say with a sarcastic smile. “But I’m not here to talk about that.”

They’ve been at this game for a while, so despite the angst that might flood their bodies just about now, they look perfectly fine, faces composed, demeanor controlled.

I take a sip under their harsh, glassy eyes.

The hatred coursing through their veins is finally making its presence felt. I wonder if these two have ever had genuine warm feelings toward anyone.

“I’ve got Leilani because she is not safe in this house,” I say and shift my eyes from one to the other. No reaction from either of them. “I presume you want her to be delivered in perfect condition to her new husband,” I say after letting them suspect the worst for a couple of seconds––that I might want her for myself. “Stefano only likes to buy top merchandise in perfect condition, as you both know. I hope you do. He also gets crazy if a deal doesn’t go through and he is poised to lose. I have first-hand experience with this, so you better believe me.”