Page 107 of Heartless Sinner

The only good thing I have on my side is I’ve summoned the Creed guards.

I don’t think anyone will try to steal the blueprints again at the company, which just leaves the printed copies that are in my vault here.

After the other night, I changed the security system so the only two people who can open the vault without it sending the alert and activating the guns are Scarlett and me.

I lie there, holding her, thinking about everything.

Something has to change and I have to be the one to change it. Things have gone on for way too long, and now they’re worse. I imagine I’ll meet Anton soon.

When I do, I won’t give him the chance to speak. The instant I see him, he’s dead.

An hour later, there’s a gentle knock on my door.

Carefully, I get off the bed so I don’t wake Scarlett. Then I pull on a pair of sweatpants and answer the door. It’s Maria.

“Buongiorno, Micah, your father is here to see you.” She gives me a gentle smile.

I can’t hide my surprise for hearing that my father is here. He’s never come to see me so early in the day before. I hope nothing more serious has happened. He knows what’s going on with Anton and the recent developments. “Thanks. Did he look alright to you?” Maria is great at giving me a heads-up when I need it.

Her smile widens. “Yes. He seemed like his usual self.”

“Okay. I’ll be down in a minute.”

She dips her head. “I’ll go see if he wants a cup of tea.”

“Thanks.”

She leaves and I pull on a shirt. I stare at Scarlett wondering if this could be about her.

My father heard what Eloise said about the payment to Scarlett. Although she never found evidence of it, theimplication was strong, and neither Scarlett nor I denied it. So, maybe my father knows me so well that he’ll know it’s true.

Regardless, he can’t do anything about it. I just don’t like tension between us.

I head downstairs, where I find him sitting in the living room sipping on a cup of tea.

He places the cup down when he sees me and stands. At least he doesn’t look angry, so maybe he’s not here to argue.

“Buongiorno.” His voice is lighthearted and insightful.

“Buongiorno, Papà.” I stop in front of him, and he gives me a curt smile.

“Sorry to stop by so early and unexpected.”

I shake my head. “You never have to apologize for that. What’s going on?”

“I thought I would stop by to see how Scarlett was.”

I can’t help but look surprised. “You did?”

“Yes. I know she was deeply upset by what Eloise did. Your mother is furious. And so am I. I thought her actions were completely inappropriate and disgusting.”

Something inside me loosens. The tension and strain from not only the last few months but possibly a lifetime. This is the first time in my life that my father has met me halfway with anything. “I’m glad you think so.”

“Of course. I thought you should know I pulled my investment from Eloise’s company last night after you left.”

“Seriously?”

“It was the right thing to do. Besides, I’m not entirely sure all that she claims about her company, including the charity work, is as truthful as she says it is.”

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