Page 122 of Vexatious Queen

“Unfortunately, whoever this is covered their tracks well. So, I’m no closer to knowing the real identity of this person who is claiming to be Yuliana.”

My heart slowed, and I let out a sigh. The last thing I wanted to do tonight was to tell Ren that her mother was alive.

“I’m sorry, this must be very frustrating.”

“More painful than frustrating. Grieving the loss of my best friend and love of my life three times was hard enough. I have no answers and only more questions. But on to my other reasons for calling, how is my daughter? And how is everything else running? I hear there is some unrest at Collier, and that Vadin paid another visit despite my warning,” he growled.

Pulling open the large door, I stepped into the foyer. A few kids were hanging out on the new couches, but it was generally quiet at this time of night.

“I’m going to the Collier board meeting tomorrow to calm the current turmoil. It starts at six, if you want to attend?”

“No, I won’t attend this time. You should be the face of Collier going forward.”

Hearing Edmundo say my last name twice reminded me of my conversation with Ren. I stepped inside the elevator, pinching the bridge of my nose. Now was as good a time as any to broach the subject.

“I wanted to ask you something, but maybe it would be best in person?”

“Son, whatever it is, just say it. With the week that I’ve had, I’d rather not guess at the next disaster,” Edmundo said.

What if I asked and he said no? It seemed like a huge request, but considering everything else Edmundo had done for me, it probably paled in comparison. I took a deep breath.

“Hopefully, you won’t find this a disaster. I want to amend my marriage certificate.”

My words were met with dead silence on the other end of the line. Then, Edmundo cleared his throat.

“What are you saying, Nash?”

“I don’t want Ren to be a Collier. That name has caused her, you, and all of us immeasurable pain, and I want to change mine as well.”

I stepped out of the elevator and sat down on one of the empty couches lounge area.

“Okay…I can see that, and I appreciate it, but was there something else?”

Running my hand through my hair, I tried to slow my racing heart.

“Sir…Edmundo, would you be okay…alright…interested in the idea of myself…me…my….” I stopped and collected myself before I sounded any more unhinged. “Let me try that again. Would you entertain the idea of my taking the name Genovese? Ren will keep the name she was denied for so many years, and I can discard the last stain left by Lawrence. I know it’s a lot to ask, since I’m not a blood relative, but…”

Edmundo started to laugh on the other end of the line.

Pulling the phone away from my ear, I stared at the screen. Did he think I was crazy? He tried to speak, but then laughed harder. I sat there frozen and confused.

“Nash, my boy, when will you understand what family means?”

I sagged into the couch and took a deep breath. Every time I thought there was no way he could be any more generous, he surprised me yet again.

“Nash, let me explain something to you. From the day you chose to marry my daughter, the day you risked your life to save hers, and every day since, you have been part of my family. Yes, of course, you can take my name. It will bring me great joy watching you and Lilya carry on the Genovese line. You had me going, though. I was expecting something terrible.”

“I…I don’t know what to say.”

“Then say nothing. This is not a hardship for me. You are giving me a wonderful gift.”

“Thank you, you don’t know what this means to me. That name has felt like a noose around my neck for so long. I’ll do my best to make sure you never regret this.”

“Nonsense, just stay on your path and take care of my daughter as you promised. Your loyalty will always be returned tenfold. I’ll get the paperwork drawn up, and the next time you’re over, you can sign it to start the process. Now, what of Vadin?”

“Ren spoke to him. I was with her, and you’d be extremely proud of her. I think it is best if you hear the rest from her, but there is no fear of her falling prey to Vadin’s sob story. Was that what you were worried about?”

“Among other things, yes, it was. But I should’ve known that Lilya would stand her ground. Well, I have a few more calls to make before I’m done for the evening. We will talk again soon.”