ing over the printed report in front of her. The room was silent except for the occasional rustle of paper as she turned a page. What she had in her

en the absence of solid evidence didn't quell her unease. The Russo name c

emingly devoted to Andrew, but there was something about her that didn't sit right. Eve

m and disarming. She moved effortlessly between conversations, drawing laughter and admirat

ix of pride and adoration. He turned to Ri

?" Andrew said, his voice fi

s enthusiastic. "She's certainly something. B

. "What are yo

"you've known her, what, six months? And now you're en

ard. It's not about time-it's about connectio

rly unconvinced, but h

ersation was light-plans for the wedding, charity events, and the future of Remington Ind

w subtly sharper, probing

y goods," Evelyn began, her tone casual but her g

tiny. "My father has investments in textiles, fashion, and jewelry manufa

brother? Dante, was it? Does h

eacup. "Yes, Dante oversees many of the operatio

entioned working alongside your fath

istics," Sophia replied smoothly. "

s had drawn Andrew's attention. He glanced between the tw

tly, "you're grilling Sophia

curious, darling. It's not every day my young

r chest felt tight. Evelyn's curiosi

rs Sophia had given were polished, almost too polished, as if they had been rehears

nd his connections in Europe. I want names, dates

ng one final line: "Di

sparkled faintly in the moonlight, a symbol of the life she was trying desperately to hold onto. But Evelyn's questions had shaken

d Sophia hesitated before picking it up.

rafted her reply: "Everything is going as planned."

s brief but troubling. Matteo Russo's business dealings were clean on paper, but there w

nt incidents in southern Italy. Nothing was concrete, but Evely

would continue digging, and when the time came, she would be ready