The calm after the storm was short-lived. Daisy’s days at the villa were marked by a tense silence. Natalie kept to herself, her smiles brittle, her laughter hollow. Daisy noticed the subtle ways Natalie avoided eye contact with Louis and Liam, her voice unusually careful. But more pressing were the moments when Daisy caught Natalie watching her, a flicker of something unspoken in her gaze.
They had managed to save Natalie from Ricci but the entire operation went too easy. Easy but suspicious.
Louis, meanwhile, was consumed with work. Or so he claimed. Daisy often found him in his study, the door closed and his voice low as he held endless phone calls. She knew better than to believe it was all business. The lines between his corporate empire and his shadowy Mafia dealings were blurring more with each passing day.
For Liam, the change in Louis was palpable. His soon to be brother-in-law was colder, more ruthless in his decisions. Over shared drinks late one night, Liam voiced his concerns.
“You’re becoming one of them again,” Liam said, swirling the amber liquid in his glass.
Louis glanced at him, his expression unreadable. “I never stopped being one of them. I only stepped back.”
“And now you’re stepping forward,” Liam shot back. “For Daisy.”
“Always for Daisy.” Louis’s voice was firm, unyielding.
Daisy’s restlessness grew. While Natalie’s return had momentarily eased her concerns, the bigger picture was far from clear. Louis and Liam weren’t telling her everything, and Natalie’s demeanor screamed of secrets.
Unable to shake the nagging sense of unease, Daisy decided to take matters into her own hands. She visited Natalie’s room one evening, a tray of tea in hand and an innocent smile on her face.
“Natalie, I thought we could talk,” Daisy said, setting the tray on the bedside table.
Natalie’s eyes flickered with hesitation before she forced a smile. “Of course. What’s on your mind?”
Daisy sat on the edge of the bed, her posture relaxed, though her mind was anything but. “I just wanted to thank you. For everything. You’ve been through so much because of me.”
Natalie’s smile faltered, her hands twisting in her lap. “It’s nothing, really. You’re my best friend, Daisy. I’d do anything for you.”
The words sounded hollow, and Daisy felt a pang of sadness. Natalie had been her closest confidante in her previous life. Could she really have changed so much, or had Daisy been blind to her true nature all along?
“Still,” Daisy pressed gently, “I can’t help but feel like there’s more going on. If there’s anything you need to tell me…”
Natalie’s gaze snapped to hers, panic flashing across her face before she masked it with a laugh. “You’re overthinking again, Daisy. Everything’s fine.”
But Daisy wasn’t convinced.
In Louis’s world, there was no room for loose ends. Ricci had been cooperative during Natalie’s extraction, but his tolerance for meddling was wearing thin.
Louis sat in a dimly lit room, a cigar smoldering in his hand as he faced a small group of men. Among them was Enzo, one of Ricci’s trusted lieutenants.
“The girl, Natalie,” Enzo began, his tone cautious, “she’s a problem.”
Louis raised an eyebrow, his expression indifferent. “Explain.”
“She’s overstepped. Ricci won’t tolerate her interference much longer. She’s made demands that even he won’t entertain.”
Louis exhaled a plume of smoke, his eyes narrowing. “And what does Ricci plan to do about it?”
Enzo hesitated, glancing at the others before replying. “He’s weighing his options.”
Louis’s voice was cold, dangerous. “Ricci doesn’t get to make decisions about people under my protection.”
Enzo swallowed hard, nodding. “Of course. I’ll relay your message.”
But as the meeting concluded, Louis’s mind was already racing. Natalie’s ties to Ricci and her increasing instability were a liability he couldn’t ignore.
Daisy’s birthday was approaching, and despite the chaos, Louis was determined to make it special. He orchestrated a lavish celebration at one of his private estates, inviting close friends and business associates.
Daisy tried to protest, claiming she didn’t need anything extravagant, but Louis silenced her with a simple, “You deserve it.”
The evening of the party arrived, and Daisy found herself swept up in the grandeur. The estate was adorned with twinkling lights, a live orchestra played softly in the background, and guests mingled in elegant attire.
Louis stayed by her side for most of the evening, his possessive nature on full display as he introduced her to his world. Daisy couldn’t help but notice the way his gaze lingered on her, his eyes filled with an intensity that made her heart race.
“You planned all of this for me?” she asked softly as they stood on the balcony, overlooking the festivities below.
Louis turned to her, his expression softening. “Of course. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you, Firefly.”
Her heart swelled at his words, but the moment was cut short when a server approached with a tray of champagne. Daisy accepted a glass, unaware of the malicious intent behind the seemingly innocent gesture.
As the party continued, Daisy began to feel unsteady. The room spun, and her vision blurred. She clutched Louis’s arm, trying to steady herself.
“Are you okay?” he asked, concern etched on his face.
“I don’t feel… right,” she murmured before her legs gave out.
Louis caught her before she could hit the ground, his alarm growing as he realized something was wrong. He scooped her into his arms, his mind racing.
“We’re leaving,” he announced, his voice firm as he carried Daisy out of the estate.
As they reached his car, a dark figure stepped out of the shadows. It was Enzo.
“Grant,” Enzo said, his tone grave. “We need to talk.”
“Not now,” Louis snapped, his focus solely on Daisy.
Enzo hesitated before stepping aside, knowing better than to push further.
Back at the villa, Louis paced the room as Daisy rested in bed. A doctor had been summoned to ensure she was safe, but the incident left Louis seething.
“Someone spiked her drink,” he growled, his fists clenching.
Liam entered the room, his expression grim. “We need to find out who.”
“I already have a suspect,” Louis replied coldly.
Liam frowned. “Who?”
Louis didn’t answer, but his thoughts turned to Natalie. The pieces of the puzzle were falling into place, and he didn’t like the picture they painted.