Three years ago, she attempted take control over the Diamond Syndicate. Leo didn’t approve and sent her to Hong Kong under the guise of expanding the Syndicate’s business on an international level.
Why is she here? Did Lei tell her what happened with her father? What’s her plans now?
On the third day, the police discovered Nefertiti’s body in an abandoned building in the South—right next to Marcelo’s club. She was shot in the head and heart. A wooden cross was put around her neck.
I delivered her body to the Killer Crows. Kashmere now ruled the West. She didn’t look pleased to meet with me. She demanded answers. I gave her none. No one knew Leo was the killer. It was too sensitive to put out in an already fragile situation.
Plus, I was terrified what would happen when everyone did discover the truth.
The next three days, I replaced my men. This time, I made no effort to know their names, not even asking my new number two what his was. When I needed them, I pointed and gestured. I wasn’t sure how long this would work. For now, I didn’t want my heart to break anymore from death.
During the week and when I had any free time, I went over Viktor’s home.
His mother lived with him. Viktor had hired two nurses to alternate day and night, looking after Mrs. Semenov. All of his money and properties went to her. She would be well taken care of financially.
But none of that mattered.
She took Viktor’s death as hard as me.
A few evenings, I ate dinner with her. During dessert, we played chess. Then, I would prepare to leave, and she would hug me for a long time and cry.
Now it was the seventh day.
Tonight, I hoped to talk to Rose. I hadn’t seen her the entire week. She’d called to check on me. I didn’t answer. Too much gloom had filled me.
But we did need to have a conversation. There’d been an attraction building between us, whether she agreed to it or not. That kiss had been amazing. She’d moaned in my arms. And then later, I’d shown up to her sleeping on her bed, naked, and wrapped in my coat.
I not only still wanted to fuck her, but I hoped she could heal my broken heart.
Once this is over, I’m going to her place. Maybe, we can get the fuck out of Paradise for a few days.
Currently, I entered the Secret Garden, shifting from downtown West Paradise and entering an enchanted space.
The restaurant provided an immersive garden dining experience. Flowers and plants covered almost every inch, showing off dazzling petals. The intimate lush setting offered a charming and inviting atmosphere ideal for romance. Roses and lilies scattered throughout the place. I was not in a restaurant, but in a magical garden—a contemporary jungle of fairy light-lit trees, hanging plants and living walls. One that overtook the ambience. Birdcages dangled from the branches and trees that spread out all throughout the place.
It was an enchanted escape, welcoming in its beauty and appealing.
My uncle’s wife owned the Secret Garden. Granted, my mother claimed to have come up with the concept. According to her, Aunt Alice and her sipped mimosas in her private garden talking about how they wished someone would make a restaurant that provided a similar experience.
I went to the back where Aunt Alice placed all of her VIP customers.
Marcelo sat at my table.
He rose when he spotted me.
I quirked my brows.
He got to me and then gave me an odd handshake. “We’re friends now. This is how we greet each other.”
I frowned.
He studied me. “What? You don’t like it?”
I stared at his hands. “Do it again?”
He gripped my hand and then placed the other over it. Once that happened, he shook it. “It’s like a brotherly hand hug.”
I gave him an odd expression, took my hand back, and sat down. “We’re friends now.”
“I feel bad for you with losing Viktor.” He gestured to Gunner who stood behind him. “Besides, some people say I should be nicer to you.”
“Those people would be smart.” I nodded at Gunner.
“I thought she was being buried next week.”
Marcelo got straight to it. “Lei is still in Glory.”
“Chen and Duck left with him.”
“Have you called Lei to check on the situation?”
“He’s going to kill his father. You think I want to do a periodic status check with him?”
“And what about Kashmere wanting the killer?”
“We may have a month to figure that out. Hopefully, Lei does what he said he will. Then, we announce that it was Leo.”
“You shouldn’t let Lei kill his father. He’ll never get over that.” Marcelo turned away as if guilty of something.
I studied him, wondering if the rumors about Marcelo killing his father were true. “I don’t have any control of Lei.”
“Get it.”
“I don’t know if I want to.” I checked my watch again. “Where the hell are they?”