Page 69 of Malevolent Secrets

“I’m managing. What did you find?”

“I’ve been digging into the Duretti family’s financial records, and I found something interesting. There are several transactions linked to offshore accounts. They’re highly suspicious and could be connected to money laundering activities. I think Jeremy might have been involved in these transactions.”

My heart sinks. Jeremy…involved in something so dangerous? It’s hard to believe, but I know I can’t ignore the evidence.

“I see. What do you suggest we do next?”

“We need more concrete evidence. I think you should continue looking through the club’s records. There might be something there that can help us piece this together.”

“I will. I’ll keep you updated on anything I find.”

“Be careful, Daniella. The Durettis are dangerous. If they suspect you’re investigating them, it could put you in serious danger.”

“I know. I’ll be careful.”

We end the call and I sit on the edge of the bed, processing the information. Jeremy’s secrets continue to unravel and each discovery feels like a stab to the heart.

I make my way to the kitchen, where Maria must have brought breakfast supplies with her because there's an array of biscuits, pancakes, and bacon on the counter.

“Holy shit. I could really get used to this,” I say to her. She smiles at me and goes back to cooking.

My phone rings and it is Renee calling.

“Hello, gorgeous. How are you?”

“Good morning,” I say with a wide smile, even though I know she can’t see me.

“She knows all about me moving in with Lorenzo later today and she was on board, surprisingly.

“How did you sleep?”

“Restlessly,” I admit, sitting at the table. “I got a call from a friend this morning. He’s been helping me investigate the Durettis.”

Renee’s voice drops by an octave and becomes serious. “What did he find?”

“More connections between the family and offshore accounts. He thinks Jeremy might have been involved.”

“That’s heavy. But it’s important to find out the truth.”

“I know. I’m just worried about what I might uncover.”

“You’re strong, Daniella. Whatever you find, you’ll face it head-on. Whatever it is. And you’re not alone in this.”

Her words bolster my resolve. “Thank you, Ren. Your support means a lot to me.”

“Anytime. Now eat up. You need your strength.”

***

The next morning dawns with a sense of finality. As I sit in the living room, surrounded by packed boxes, my heart races with anticipation and anxiety. It pains me that I’m still going to have to leave a lot of things behind.

It’s not like I can uproot the entire house and take it with me. It also feels like leaving this house is leaving the ghost of Jeremy and the life we built together, behind.

Tears sting in my eyes and I try not to let them fall. Yes, he lied to me, he kept secrets from me, and maybe he wasn’t the person I thought he was. But he still loved me and he was the only one who ever loved me with no strings attached.

The weight of the past few days is heavy and I’m not sure if I’m ready for what comes next.

A knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts. I open it to find Lorenzo standing there, looking every bit the enigma he always is.

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