Chapter 4

Leo's face remained unreadable. He picked up his fork and gestured to my plate.

"Let's eat first. The food's getting cold, and you need your strength. I promise I'll explain everything after."

I opened my mouth to protest, but the memory of him waiting to eat with me made me pause. Such a small gesture of respect - yet it spoke volumes. After years of Nathaniel's dismissive treatment, Leo's consideration felt like a revelation.

I took another bite of the risotto. The flavors bloomed on my tongue - rich, complex, perfectly balanced. My stomach rumbled, reminding me I hadn't eaten since morning.

We ate in comfortable silence. I stole glances at Leo between bites, trying to reconcile the polished businessman with whatever lay beneath that carefully maintained facade. The security force, this fortress of a house, the way his people snapped to attention at his command - none of it added up to just a tech CEO.

As we finished the last bites, Leo dabbed his napkin to his lips and straightened. This was it - finally, some answers.

His phone buzzed. The screen lit up and his expression tightened.

"I'm sorry," he said, rising from his chair. "This is urgent - I have to take this." He paused at my shoulder, his hand hovering near but not quite touching me. "Please, make yourself comfortable. I won't be long."

Before I could respond, he strode from the room, phone already at his ear. The dining room felt suddenly vast and empty without his presence.

I made my way to the guest room Leo had assigned me. The space was impeccable - all clean lines and luxurious touches, from the silk curtains to the hand-knotted rug beneath my feet. Even the air smelled expensive, like jasmine and sandalwood.

I sank onto the king-sized bed, running my hand over the Egyptian cotton sheets. The mattress yielded perfectly beneath me. In my own home - my beautiful home that I'd designed and decorated myself - I had similar quality furnishings. Years of successful interior design projects had given me the means for luxury.

But now that luxury felt hollow. My father's face flashed in my mind - his kind eyes, his proud smile when I landed my first major client. The memory twisted into Nathaniel's cold words from earlier: "Of course not. She still thinks it was a heart attack. Poor thing's been so focused on finding us the perfect beach house."

My stomach lurched. I curled onto my side, wrapping my arms around myself. How could I have been so blind? After Dad died, I'd been lost in grief, vulnerable. Nathaniel had been there, so understanding, so supportive. When he suggested I transfer Dad's properties to him "to handle all the messy details," I'd agreed without question.

"It'll be easier this way, darling," he'd said. "Let me take care of everything while you heal."

And I'd believed him. Trusted him. Married him.

The truth crashed over me in waves. My father hadn't died of natural causes. Nathaniel had murdered him - murdered him for his property, his money. And I'd handed it all over to my father's killer with a signature and a grateful smile.

Bile rose in my throat. I pressed my face into the pillow, trying to muffle the sob that tore from my chest.

I buried my face deeper into the pillow, letting the tears flow freely. The weight of betrayal crushed my chest, making it hard to breathe. In my grief, I barely registered the soft footsteps entering the room until a warm hand touched my shoulder.

I jolted upright, my heart racing. Leo stood beside the bed, concern etched across his features.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." His voice was soft, gentle.

"It's fine," I mumbled, hastily wiping my tears with the back of my hand. My fingers trembled.

Leo reached out, his thumb catching a stray tear on my cheek. His palm cradled my face, and the tenderness of his touch made fresh tears well up. I knew I should pull away, but the warmth of his hand anchored me, soothing the storm of emotions raging inside.

"I'm so sorry for what you're going through," he said. "Finding out about such a betrayal... I can't imagine your pain." His thumb traced small circles on my skin. "But you're safe here, Victoria. I need you to trust me on that."

His dark eyes held mine, steady and sincere. "What do you want to do? We can keep you safe, protected. Or..." He paused, his expression turning serious. "If you want revenge, I can help with that too. The choice is yours."