Mag-log inAlora walked in. “She is my cousin’s wife and she needs the kitchen.” Alora told Gracia. “But she tried to poison the Don. It’s not safe letting her near food.” Gracia argued. Alora folded her arms and looked her in the face. “I don’t remember anyone asking your opinion on our family issues Gracia,” she said. “Nick gave you an order and it stands. Now get everyone out so Jane can bake. Unless, you want me to tell Nick your orders supercede his.” Gracia shivered a little then turned and began giving orders. Minutes later the kitchen was empty. “Now I’ve helped you deal with the lions, get to work. I’ll see you later.” Alora smiled. “And remember to keep your cake safe. We have a poisoner on the lose.” Eleni stared after her, greatful and slightly amused. Then she got to work. As she made the pastry she didn’t even remember her problems. Baking always helped her relax. When she was done she thought about giving some to the staff as usual, then shook her head. They woul
Mia carefully studied the information she’d gotten from her source. It wasn’t much, but it would help. Now she knew the rat Jane had been picked up from a homeless shelter. Her face darkened. A homeless rat, that was who Nick had dumped her for. He would regret it. She was sure she would find something in Jane’s past that would make Nick regret his decision.Her mother rushed in, startling her.“You will never guess what I just heard.” She said sitting beside Mia.“Jane Harris is dead?” Mia asked hopefully.“Not yet, but from what I heard she soon will be. She tried to poison Marco.”Mia’s eyes widened.“Are you serious mother?”“He is in hospital right now. Helena called me from there. The doctors said the poison was in the cake the little snake gave him.”Mia rolled her eyes. “If he was stupid enough to eat anything she offered him then he deserves to die. This is good news. Did Julia say if Nick is torturing her right now?”“No. That’s the only annoying part. Julia wants her dead i
“Mom please! This isn’t the time to bring your personal dislike out.” Niccolo said, slightly impatient. “This has nothing to do with my dislike. I have evidence. I spoke to Gracia. She said Jane gave your father the cake and also made him a cup of tea. Both were poisoned. And she didn’t call for help till Gracia came in-“ “But she gave CPR that saved his life. Why would she do that if-“ “She didn’t. Gracia did. Jane was just standing there watching your father die, till Gracia walked in and began giving him CPR.” “Is Gracia sure about what she is saying?” “Are you doubting her? Don’t tell me you will take the word of that snake over a trusted servant like Gracia?” “But why would Jane want to kill dad?” “Isn’t it obvious? She was sent to do so, obviously by one of our rivals. And you foolishly brought her into the family.” “Jane isn’t working for anyone. I’ve checked her out –“ “Not well enough.” Julia snapped. “Even if she isn’t working for anyone, she could have tri
“Marco!" Eleni dropped beside him and immediately began giving CPR, while calling for help.Footsteps thundered through the hallway and Gracia rushed in.“Call an ambulance! Quickly!” Eleni screamed.“What happened? What did you do?” Gracia asked frowning at her.“Call an ambulance!” Eleni yelled impatiently.Gracia obeyed. More maids and guards rushed in. Not long after an ambulance arrived and Marco was taken to hospital.A guard ordered everyone out of the living room.Eleni made her way upstairs, still shaken. Gracia appeared in front of her.“What happened to Signore Romano?” She asked, still looking suspicious.“I think he had a heart attack.” Eleni said.“Impossible. He is very healthy and has never shown any sign of such a thing,” her eyes narrowed. “I saw the smashed teacup, he was drinking tea? Did you make it?”“Yes. He was eating the cake and asked for tea-““You gave him cake too? Sweet desserts are perfect for masking bitter flavors.”Eleni felt herself grow cold.“What
At dinner the loss of Golden Palace was all they could talk about.“I don’t believe Davide would go as low as stabbing us in the back.” Julia said, “I thought he was too honorable for that.”“He is a Conti, they are all dishonorable bastards.” Niccolo said through clenched teeth.“I won’t accept this.” Marco fumed.“We can’t start a war over this. It’s too risky.” Julia said.“So we should fold our hands and do nothing?” Marco asked.“Why not let them screw themselves with the restaurant and find another?” Alora asked.“There is no other. That’s why we wanted that one.” Niccolo explained.“Why not make one.” Eleni said quietly. “Open a restaurant, get the chefs from Golden Palace to work for you and turn it into another Golden Palace.” Marco, Niccolo and Alora looked at her with admiration, while Julia frowned.“Quiet! This won’t be happening if it weren’t for you.” Julia snapped.“She has nothing to do with this mother.” Niccolo said firmly.“And her idea is good.” Marco added. Ele
Marco was still smiling as he entered the building. The staff, who had never seen him with anything but a frown, were surprised and worried. Niccolo was surprised too. Was he still smiling from that conversation at breakfast? Did Jane have such an effect on him?“Your smile is scaring the staff.” Niccolo told him as he followed him into his office.“That is their business.”“And me too. Don’t tell me it’s what you and Jane talked about that’s making you smile?”“It is. It brought back memories. I can’t wait to taste her dessert. Having her around may not be so bad after all.”Niccolo hid his surprise, Jane had managed to win over his father. Maybe she would win his mother over too, but if they grew to love her, what would happen after the six month deadline. He’d made a promise and he would keep it, unless he could convince her to renegotiate.He didn’t have much time to think about it. PRESCO's PRO brought bad news.“Sirs, this is the news making rounds this morning.” He said showing
Eleni's PovI was dressed and ready for breakfast when I heard a firm knock. “Come in.” I said, knowing it was a maid with breakfast. I hoped it wasn’t Gracia. After the kitchen incident she had avoided me, but I could feel the hate coming out of her whenever we were in the same room. Niccolo e
Eleni’s POV I lay in bed staring at the ceiling for a long time after Nick left. The room was quiet. The kind of quiet that gave your mind too much room to wander. I turned onto my side and pulled the blanket up to my chin, but sleep refused to come. Nick had brought me water. It was such a
Leonardo’s heart nearly stopped. The footsteps were getting closer. Was it a maid? Guard? Or had Niccolo come home unexpectedly? Whoever it was they couldn’t find him here. But the information he needed was almost up, of he shut it down he won't lose everything. He made a decision. He shut the lapt
Helena wasn’t surprised to see Julia at her house the next afternoon, but she was surprised by how angry she looked. “Helena what have you done?” Julia demanded.. “I was helping you solve our problem,.” Helena said calmly. “I had already solved it! The girl was leaving with the money I gave h







