Page 76 of Lorenzo & Lily

“Can we confirm this, my son?” their father asked.

Nate shook his head. “Not unless Marcello can do it. It could be just that – a rumour. However, my gut says something different.”

“I’ve heard those rumours, too,” Rebecca added and all eyes swung to her. “Some of the social events I’ve attended recently have had the spouses and significant others of Council members in attendance. I’m not friends with any of them, just friendly, but you hear things.”

“And you’ve heard this rumour?” Alex asked. “You never mentioned it.”

“I hear a lot of rumours at these events, Alex. Most of it’s garbage, which I thought this was. As far as this is concerned, there was a rumour that Paget was having an affair, but no one knew who with exactly.”

Marcello’s phone buzzed and he pulled it out, speaking as he read a message. “And here’s something else. The Election Commission finished their sweep and couldn’t find any tampering of the voting system or machines. They say our next step is to validate the votes afterwards, to ensure that no voter fraud took place.”

“Damn,” Nate muttered. “That was our best shot to take Field down. So, that means the vote’s moving forward. Do we know which way it might land?”

Alex shook his head. “Too soon to say. Let’s hope we hear good news at the meet tonight. Otherwise, we’ll need to wait until tomorrow afternoon, after the vote tabulation in underway and the early results are announced.”

Rebecca leaned against Alex’s shoulder.

“Tired, darling?” Alex asked.

“Yes, sorry. I think I’ll lie down before dinner. Which room are we in now, Lorenzo?"

“I’ll have the housekeeper show you. All of you staying in the other Royal Wing.”

Startled looks all around.

“I know it’s unusual, but I don’t want Liliana overwhelmed by all our family in my wing. I’ll see you back here in a couple hours. Carolina?”

His younger sister’s head popped up. “Yes?”

“Could you come with me for a few minutes? There’s something I wanted to talk to you about.” Without waiting for a response, he left the room and waited outside for her.

Their youngest sister was an artist and a damn good one at that. Her brown hair was cut short and stylish, her dark eyes deep and soulful. She was tall, like they all were, but slender; she’d inherited their father’s straight, slim torso, not their mother’s curvy frame. Her numerous necklaces jangled together as she walked, as did her long, dangly earrings and chunky bracelets.

“What’s up, big brother?”

“A favor, little sister, if you think you can do it.” He draped an arm over her shoulders, and she draped an arm around his waist as they walked away from the sitting room and prying ears. “It’s a favor for Liliana, actually.”

She smiled bright. “I can’t wait to meet her.”

Lorenzo gave her a sappy smile. “She’s beautiful.”

“I heard she looks like you.”

“Like I said: beautiful.”

Carolina laughed and bumped her hip against his. “So, what can I do to help my charming niece?”

“It’s a tall order.”

“I’m a tall person. Now, stop stalling and just tell me.”

He stopped and gave a brief glance down the hall to ensure no one lingered nearby, then turned back to her. “We’re pulling Liliana out of pre-school. While she likes her teacher, the other children aren’t always kind to her. They’ll be less so now that the news is out she’s a princess.”

Her brows drew together. “What does that have to do with me?”

“How would you like to be her tutor?”

“Me?”

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