Chapter 52 Chapter 52
Isla
I asked him to let his family know I would be visiting his mother's place and to ask his family to be there. He said he would inform them.
When Jules pulled into the Ferro estate, it was shortly before lunch.. The house was bigger than Nikolai’s place. There were security guards spread out throughout the compound. I walked into the house with Jules behind me.
His mother and father were sitting there along with Katrina and Anton; Gia and Stefan weren’t there, which made this a bit easier. Alessio and Esme, Nikolai’s brother and sister, were off to the side. Victor and Alessia were on one side with Nikolai’s cousin Julian.
“Welcome to our home, Natalie.” Anabella said as she stood up.
“Thank you," I said as I took a seat.
“Nikolai said it was important that we meet you," Katrina said, and I nodded. I handed the table to Pedro.
"The full scale of Gia and Stefan’s betrayal is now clear. They have been funding the Morettis, buying guns, and embezzling more than five million; the full total isn't clear as yet.” I said, and I saw Katrina’s face go pale.
“What have my children done?" Anton whispered.
“I am sorry, but this is the reason I am here. Nikolai brought me here to make sure his entire family can be trusted. The Ferro family doesn't just belong to him but to all of you, and even if one person is disloyal, it causes a chain reaction.”
“What does Nikolai intend to do about this, about them?" Alessio asked.
“I have no idea, but he won’t hurt them. The decision is up to Nikolai," I said.
“And what is your relationship with my brother.?” Alessio asked, and I looked at him; I didn't even flinch, nor was I surprised by his question.
“Ask him yourself.” I said and he didn't like that answer.
“That is enough; that is not your business, Alessio." Pedro said looking at his son.
“We will accept whatever decision Nikolai makes," Anton said, and I nodded. I knew it was hard for them because it wasn't just one of their children; it was both of their children.
“And Julian?” Victor asked. I looked at Julian.
“He’s loyal. I haven't found anything on him, Esme, or Alessio. They take their respective duties seriously.”
Victor looked at him son. “You better not do any dumb shit” victor said.
"Natalie, it’s already lunch. Why don’t we have lunch?" Anabella said.
“Thank you.”
During lunch, Esme sat beside me. “So you studied business?” she asked.
“Business and everything in between.” i replied casually.
“Do you know any foreign languages?” Julian asked. Just then Nikolai walked in and sat on the other side; Esme looked annoyed. One of the servers put a plate in front of him.
"Why are you here?” Alessio asked. His father looked at him, but Nikolai didn’t answer.
“Natalie told us. We have no problem; do what you need to.” Anton said and Nikolai nodded.
“So Natalie, the question? Foreign languages?” Julian asked again.
She speaks eight languages and plays the violin and keyboard. She knows business, finance, stock trading, and its market. She is skilled in multiple types of martial arts and can wield a gun better than you. He said, Alessio’s eyes went wide, Anabella was smiling, Esme’s mouth was open, and Pedro looked proud.
“Holy shit," Esme whispered from beside me.
Lunch continued with small talk. As we were about to leave, Anabella came over to me and stopped me. “Feel free to visit often," she said softly, and I nodded.
On the drive back, Nikolai was beside me; he took my hand in his.
“And why exactly did you come to lunch?" I asked hesitantly. “Did you think your family would do something to me?" I asked, but he didn't answer, and I looked at him. There wasn't any emotion on his face, but then again, he knew his family better than I did.
He dropped me back at the house then left , saying he was going back to the office. When i walked into the house, i saw the car coming in, I knew the license plate, Rhodes. I walked in and took a seat waiting for them. A few minutes later, Alistair and Vivian walked in.
“Ms. De Luca, can we speak for a moment?” AListair asked.
“Sure," I said, gesturing towards the couch. Ares bounded over and sat beside me. I rubbed his head absent mindly .
"What can I do for you, Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes?"
“I would like your assistance in something," he said, and I nodded for him to continue.
“We’ll pay you of course” Vivian chimed in.
“Kindly say what it is." I was running out of patience for their stupidity.
“Well, you see, you look very much similar to Isla, our adopted daughter who disappeared years ago. We had made some investments in her name, and now there is someone claiming to be her and trying to usurp those investments," Alistair said, and I cocked my head to the side.
“You want me to pretend to be someone I'm not. Mr. Rhodes, that is illegal, and I am an upstanding citizen."
“Five million," Vivian shouted. I chuckled at her naive attempt.
"Mrs. Rhodes, Mr. Ferro pays me one million a day. Your five million dose nothing. I am not interested in your offer. Please leave."
Vivian stood up and looked at me. She looked like she wanted to say something but changed her mind and walked out. AListair walked out behind her without a word.
After they left, I began making a list of all the properties that Alistair had. My phone started ringing; I saw it was Jacob.
“Hi jacob, is everything okay?” i asked as when i answered.
“Turn the TV on and check the news.” He said before ending the call. I looked around , wait there wasnt a Tv in here. I grabbed the iPad and checked the local news.
They were talking about the brutal murder of the Morettis, and my heart sank. I knew without a doubt Lorenzo and Lucas would point at Nikolai; Lorenzo would know that was retaliation. My phone rang, making me jump. Nikolai. I answered.
“What are you doing?" he asked, and I let out a breath I didn't even realize I was holding in.
“Watching the news, you do know they’ll point to you right?” I asked and he chuckled, it was low and amusing.
“He will but, i wasn’t there.” he said in a low voice.
“As long as it doesn't put you behind bars.”
“Worried about me, Kitten?” he asked.
“Aren’t you at work?”
“Yes , in a meeting” he said. I saw the lawyer walk in.
“Lawyer’s here, i have work to do. You should do your work," I said quietly.
“Of course, i need you to do something for me.” he said
"Okay," I said hesitantly.
“No, I need you to promise you will ," he said.
“Fine i promise” i said
“Good, I'll tell you what it is later," he said, ending the call. I was staring at the phone. What on earth was that?