Chapter 115
RYAN
Today, we decided to stay back at the apartment and finally make use of the pool, which had been lying unattended ever since we arrived. According to Lily, the boys knew how to swim, so I didn’t have to worry too much about one of them jumping into the pool, though we still kept a vigilant eye on them.
My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I pulled it out, seeing that Detective Larry was calling. I swiped the receive button and, knowing this conversation would likely involve some colorful language, I got off the lounge chair and moved away from the kids.
“What the f**k is this news I’m reading about Jake?” I hissed into the phone, trying to keep my voice low but failing to hide my irritation. Lily hadn’t seen it yet. because she decided to turn off her phone for the rest of the trip, wanting to fully enjoy herself during this vacation.
She somehow believes that every time she turns on her phone, trouble finds her- specifically, trouble in the form of Jake.
“It seems someone tipped him off about our arrival,” Detective Larry replied. “But I assure you, we will find him soon. This has escalated from a simple case of impersonation to that of a wanted murderer.”
The thought of Jake being anywhere near Lily was chilling. “Who did he kill?” I asked, my mind racing with concern.
“That isn’t something you need to worry about, sir. The murder isn’t connected to you or Ms. Urch in any way,” he assured me. “But rest assured, we are committed to finding him soon.”
This situation was infuriating. “Keep me posted,” I said, reaching to disconnect the call, but Larry stopped me.
“Just in case he reaches out to your wife in any way, do not hesitate to let us know immediately,” he added.
“I will,” I promised before ending the call, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me.
I scoffed. “For the sake of everyone involved, I hope he doesn’t reach out to her, or
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you guys will be draing with two murder dates Disconnecting the call, I strolled Back to the poolside, trying to rein in my frustration.
1uy who had noticed my absence, handed the nanny the towel she was holding ared approached me. “Is everything okay?” she asked, sitting down next to me. “You bwek spent
I took a deep breath, my anger simmering beneath the surface. “They weren’t able as ge Jake,” I informed her, and her frown mirrored mine instantly. Reaching for her hand. I held it and squeezed gently. “Don’t let that bother you. I’m sure they will get him in due time”
sy licked her lips nervously. “I hope so too. I would hate to live constantly looking over my shoulder.” She turned her gaze back to the boys, who were happily splashing in the pool. “How crazy is it that I introduced a con artist into the lives of my children?”
Jake is more than a con artist; he’s a murderer, but I thought it unwise to share that information with her right now.
“What do you say about coming down to New York with me after this vacation?” I suggested, watching her expression closely.
S
Lily bit her lower lip, deliberately avoiding my gaze. “Why?” she asked, her voice tinged with suspicion. “Why do you want me in New York?” Finally, she met my eyes. “Just because I’m not working at the hospital at the moment doesn’t mean you can get me to relocate.”
She was misunderstanding my intentions. I’m not trying to get you to relocate, Lily. New York is my territory; it’s a place where I can protect you better. Just come stay with me until Jake is caught and sent to jail, that’s all.”
Her eyes softened slightly, but she still looked hesitant. “Are you sure it’s just about protection?”
I nodded earnestly. “Absolutely. Your safety and the safety of the kids are my top priority right now. New York is where I can ensure that best.”
Lily sighed, glancing back at the boys playing in the pool. “Alright,” she said softly. “For now, until Jake is caught.”
I squeezed her hand, relieved. “Thank you. I promise you won’t regret it.”
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I couldn’t have felt more relieved at that moment. “Thank you so much,” I said, feeling the weight of potential arguments lift off my shoulders. If she had refused, I knew it would have led to a tense and exhausting debate.
***
A week later, our vacation finally came to an end. As much as I loved spending time with my family, I needed to get back to work. The boys weren’t eager to leave either, but when they heard that they would be going to New York to stay with me, their excitement was palpable.
Lily watched them with amusement as they danced around in circles, thrilled at the prospect of going to Daddy’s house. “Sometimes, I think they love you more than they love me,” she said with a playful smile.
I chuckled, shaking my head in disagreement. “I think it has more to do with the fact that they don’t see me that often. They’re always excited to spend time with me because it’s a rare treat.”
She nodded thoughtfully, still smiling as she watched the boys. “Maybe you’re right. Either way, it’s nice to see them so happy.”
I put an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “It is. And they’ll be even happier once we get settled in New York. We all will.”
Lily leaned into me, sighing softly. “Let’s hope so. I just want us to be safe and together.”
“We will be,” I assured her, kissing the top of her head. “We’ll make sure of it.”
She rolled her eyes, amusement flickering in them. “Whatever.” We finally checked out and made our way to the private airport, where we boarded my jet that would take us back to New York.
Prior to the day we were supposed to return, I called Angelo, informing him to come pick us up at the airport.
The moment we disembarked and walked out of the terminal, I sighed at the sight of the fleet of security cars undoubtedly waiting for us. Angelo stepped forward to greet the boys, and to my surprise, Liam recognized him right away, though the others had a bit of trouble,
“Welcome back, boss,” he greeted me with a smile. I tapped his back lightly in
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acknowledgment. Angelo then turned his attention to Lily. “It is lovely to see you again, Ms. Urch.”
Lily smiled warmly. “Thank you, Angelo. It’s good to see you too.”
Lily laughed before pulling him into a hug. “You’ve always referred to me as Lily, what’s with the formality?”
We all got into the car, and Angelo drove us back to the manor. Just as I had instructed, the maids had already cleaned out the kids’ room, turning the guestroom where Lily had slept before into a playroom for them.
“You’ll be staying with me,” I informed Lily as we entered the house. “We don’t have to sleep in separate rooms anymore.”
“I had no plans on doing that,” she replied with a flirtatious smile.
“Sir?” Angelo called from downstairs. Turning, I faced him. “Can I please talk to you for a moment?”
“Sure,” I replied, turning back to Lily. “I’ll be right back.” Following Angelo downstairs, we entered my office, and he made sure to close the door behind him. “What is it? Did something happen?” I asked, concern flickering in my mind.
He cleared his throat, his expression grave. “I didn’t tell you earlier because this isn’t the type of news one should hear while on vacation.”
My brow arched in curiosity. “Is this about Jake? I already heard about it.”
Angelo shook his head solemnly. “This is about Stephanie.”
I felt a twinge of annoyance. Wasn’t I done with that name and everything related to her? “What about her?” I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
Angelo’s voice was heavy with concern. “She tried to commit suicide,” he replied, his words landing like a weight in the room. “Her mother found her in the bathtub, her wrist slit, with blood all over the place.”
I felt a surge of frustration. Was I supposed to sympathize with them after all they’d done? “Send her a flower if you must,” I replied dismissively, already making my way to the door. This conversation wasn’t worth my time. “And let this be the last time you mention or discuss anything concerning that family in my presence.”
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“Yes, sir,” Angelo responded.
As I reached for my phone, its familiar beep interrupted the moment. I sighed, wondering why everyone couldn’t just let me settle in. “What is it, Detective Rio?” I answered.
“I have some good news,” he relayed eagerly.
“Which is?” I asked, my interest piqued.
“We found Sophia’s phone,” he announced triumphantly.
