Page 81 of Arranged with Twins
“She’s good for you.” He follows my gaze. “I haven’t seen you this relaxed since before your parents died.”
“She gave me something worth living for beyond revenge and survival.” I watch her turn a page as her lips part in what appears to be a sigh of satisfaction. “I want our children to know their father as something more than a criminal.”
“They will.” He gathers his papers and prepares to leave. “What’s next for you two?”
“I have a surprise planned for tonight.” I check my watch. “Something that’s been overdue for months.”
“Have fun.”
After Ilya leaves, I spend an hour reviewing investment portfolios and making calls to financial advisors. The legitimate side of my wealth is substantial enough to support several generations, especially with Sienna’s business acumen helping to manage it. Unlike Vincent, I won’t make the mistake of assuming she doesn’t know anything or needs to be protected from financial decisions.
At six o’clock, I find her in the nursery, sitting in the rocking chair while reading what looks like a college catalog. She looks up when I enter, and her smile is immediate and warm. “How did the meeting with Ilya go?”
“Better than expected.” I lean against the doorframe, enjoying the sight of her in this room I built for our future. “The transition is nearly complete. Within a month, I’ll be officially retired from active leadership.”
“How do you feel about that?” She closes the catalog and gives me her full attention.
“Terrified and exhilarated in equal measure.” I cross the room to sit on the ottoman facing her chair. “I’ve never defined myself as anything other than what I inherited from my father.”
“Now you get to discover who Leo Denisov is when he’s not running an empire.” She reaches for my hands, intertwining our fingers. “I think you’ll like what you find.”
“What about you?” I nod toward the catalog in her lap. “NYU?”
“Their fashion merchandising program has an excellent reputation.” She reopens the booklet to a page she’s marked. “I’ve been thinking about becoming a buyer and maybe eventually opening my own boutique. I could carry Nadia’s line along with others.”
“I’ll support whatever path you choose.” I squeeze her hands. “You have remarkable instincts for what people want to wear.”
“I learned that from you.” Her smile turns teasing. “You taught me to trust my own preferences instead of following other people’s rules.”
“Speaking of preferences, pack a bag. We’re taking a trip.”
She arches a brow. “Where?”
“Somewhere private where we can celebrate new beginnings.” I stand and pull her up with me. “The jet’s being prepared now.” Before she can protest further, or ask more questions, I add, “Dr. Foxx said you’re safe to fly at seventeen weeks.”
That satisfies her, and there’s a sparkle of excitement in her eyes as she goes to pack. “What to bring?”
“It’s a warm climate.” That’s all I reveal.
Two hours later,we’re airborne over the Atlantic, heading toward a private island off the coast of North Carolina. The villa I’ve rented sits on a secluded beach, where the only sounds are waves and seabirds.
Sienna spends the flight reading her catalog and discussing her career plans while I review some final business documents. The conversation flows easily and is comfortable in the way that comes from knowing someone completely.
“Have you given more thought to what you want me to do about your parents?” I ask as the pilot announces our descent.
She sets down the catalog and considers the question. “I’ve been thinking about that actually.”
“And?”
“I’m satisfied with what you’ve done so far.” She turns to face me fully. “Letting the truth leak about their involvement with Adrian was perfect. They’re social pariahs now, which is worse than death for Mother.”
“The bank is moving to foreclose on both the townhouse and your old penthouse.” I’ve been monitoring their financial collapse with professional interest. “Vincent won’t be able to maintain his lifestyle much longer.”
“Good.” Her voice carries a coldness I’ve rarely heard from her. “I want them to lose everything they valued more than their daughter.”
I smile in approval. “You don’t sound conflicted about that anymore.”
“I’m not.” She stares out the window at the ocean below. “I kept expecting them to reach out, to apologize, or maybe show some remorse for what they did. The silence tells me everything I need to know about their priorities.”
