Page 35 of The Innovator

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That night, I received a reply from my PI confirming Adonis had sent Natalie the threat.

Grayson:I also need info on Rafael Caputo.

PI:From Caputo Holdings?

Grayson:That one.

PI:Want me to prioritize him or Derek?

The PI had been working a few projects for me, mostly Derek and his associates.

Grayson:Rafael, then resume on the others.

Though I’d lost confidence in people, I forced myself to trust the PI that Remi and Royce had vouched for. So far, he’d been effective with any requests I’d tossed his way. He’d delivered everything efficiently, and I appreciated that.

There were certain things he could do effectively that I couldn’t. Despite that, I was aware of how much faith I’d placed in him. He hadn’t failed me yet.

After my conversation with the PI ended,I called my bodyguard, Andrew. “I need you to do something for me.”

“Whatever you need, boss.”

Andrew had worked for me for several years. He was head of security at one of my buildings, but he was dependable and flexible when I needed him to carry out a job discreetly.

Society was a treacherous place. In order to survive this perilous terrain, I had to be several steps ahead of my enemy.

I made my move. Now, I just had to wait and see how things would develop.

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

NATALIE

“Is everything okay at home, Mom?” I asked as I slipped on my silk nightgown.

“Yes, why?”

“Oh, just checking in, making sure all is well. I’ve been away for months, so I miss the fast-paced environment.” I slid into bed and placed my phone on the nightstand with the speaker on. “The marketing campaign for our next collection is intimate and effective. I love it.”

“The new model is perfect for LaRue. You prepared everything for us before you left, so there’s no need for you to keep checking in. How are you doing? I’m worried about you.”

“I’m fine. No need to worry, Mom. You just concentrate on making sure Aunt Estelle doesn’t decide anything without you knowing. Have you been talking to any of the board members?”

“My darling daughter. I love you, but I don’t want you stressing out more than you already are.”

“I’m not stressed.”

I could hear the stress in my voice.

Her laughter brought a smile to my lips. “You’re not a good liar. I can sense your anxiety all the way over here.”

“If there was no deadline for the company vote, I wouldn’t be as anxious. The pressure is on, and I can’t ignore that House of LaRue could belong to someone else other than our family. I can’t let that happen.”

Mom sucked in a breath, and tears were probably streaming down her face right now, mimicking mine.

“It won’t. Your mom is a smart woman. I’ve got things under control. You worry about your situation over there. Leave everything here to me. Have you found out anything about that property?”

Mom didn’t ask about my status regarding Dad’s rumored affair. I’d hired a private investigator to help me, but he hadn’t come up with anything useful.

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