Felipe laughed. Valentina threw her napkin at Sophia, scowling. “Both of you stop! I have to study to graduate.”

“Excuses, excuses. You’re lazy and you know it,” Sophia declared. “Let’s see if you have really been studying… How long will the renovation take?”

“Well, it depends on what you want done. We came up with a timetable to discuss with the architect who’s going to supervise the job.”

“I did some designs on the floor plan I have and I will show you in London. Mostly, I want modifications in the rooms at the back of the house and the kitchen.” Sophia tilted her head to the side, musing, “Also, I want another full changing room at the pool lounge. I want rooms, with an independent entrance, for my staff on the third floor.” She ate another spoonful of the soufflé, savoring it. “And, of course, a cellar.”

Felipe grinned at Valentina, shaking his head, “I told you she would practically pull the house down.”

“No, of course not. I want to maintain the hall, the reception room, the dining room, the garage, and the back garden. And I’m okay with the bedrooms and bathrooms. Of course, they need redecorating. You can start with that, Val. The first floor won’t be difficult, either. You won’t have great problems with it because I’m keeping it as before. It’s just some wallpaper and, of course, a thing or two. One thing we can say about the tacky previous owner is that she liked new technologies.” She licked the spoon. “The only thing I do require is floor heating. I want to move in by February and have the house ready by March first.”

Val’s eyes rounded. “Are you crazy? That leaves us four months.”

“So? I’m not sparing any expense.” She shrugged. “Hire as many different crews as you need. Put one in each room. Set the schedule. You and Felipe are the bosses. You’re going to love Lauren Starch, the architect I’ve hired. She is your age, Felipe, and has fantastic ideas.”

“I can’t come over every week. And Felipe-”

“I know. I’ll be there. We can have our meetings on Skype. I know I can’t expect you to move for me. I’ve learned to live alone.”

“Sophia, it’s not as if we’re abandoning you,” Felipe scowled, “we have our lives.”

Sophia gave him a small smile, “I understand.”

“We’ll see what we can do,” Felipe answered. “Let’s hear your plans.”

Chapter 3

Geneva International Airport.

Saturday, October 17th, 2009.

6 p.m.

“I. Don’t. Believe. It. I don’t,” Sophia huffed. “I received a message from your company saying our flight had been changed to eight o’clock this evening due to the weather.”

“Je suis desolée. Your flight has already departed.”

“You’re sorry, my ass,” Sophia heard Valentina murmur from behind her.

Sophia fished her iPhone from her bag and showed the attendant the message. “Here. Please, read the message.”


“You owe me a thousand pounds, Allenthorp,” Ethan said from his comfortable seat, watching the scene.

“No, I don’t. Our bet didn’t include you cheating and arranging to send fake messages from the airline company. Sometimes I don’t know how you can live with yourself, Ashford.”

“I can see you’ve never read Dell’Arte della Guerra by Machiavelli,” he frowned slightly. “Very interesting, Allenthorp. He taught ‘Though fraud in all other actions be odious, yet in matters of war it is laudable and glorious,’ and ‘he who overcomes his enemies by stratagem is as much to be praised as he who overcomes them by force.’ Although she is not an enemy, I followed his instruction to the letter.”

“If you hadn’t noticed, she’s not alone.” Leonard was clearly annoyed. “And if she discovers your plot?”

“Another quote from Machiavelli for you, Allenthorp. ‘All courses of action are risky, so prudence is not in avoiding danger, but calculating risk and acting decisively.’ I find your education is lacking.”

“On the contrary, Ashford. I just don’t agree with Machiavelli’s beliefs. If for him ‘the end justifies the means,’ for me it doesn’t.”

“Bravo, Allenthorp, a true lawyer speaking. Don’t be a boring moralist now. We have a ride to offer.” He stood and walked up to Sophia.


“Even so, there’re no more flights this evening, madam.” The attendant finished what she was doing. “I’m sorry, again.” She looked at her watch. “I have to close, madam.”

“This isn’t happening.” Sophia shook her head, her raven hair dancing around her.

Felipe put a hand on Sophia’s shoulder. “Sis, it’s okay-”

“It seems I have to rescue you again, darling.” A deep voice came from behind Sophia.

Felipe, Valentina, and Sophia pivoted to find Ethan and Leonard at the corner of the counter.

“Ethan!” She smiled at him. “What a coincidence! I thought you were going back yesterday.”

Felipe put an arm around her waist, protectively, and eyed the men, distrustfully.

“No. My meeting only concluded late this morning. And I convinced Allenthorp to join me for lunch at l’Auberge du Lion D’Or.”

“Hmm. We went there on Thursday,” she nodded, absently. “How are you, Your Grace?” She raised her eyebrows at the lawyer, as if daring him to deny his title. “If I may introduce you, these are Felipe and Valentina Santo, my older brother and youngest sister.” She turned to Felipe and Valentina and her hand flicked in the air toward the men. “Leonard Allenthorp, the Duke of Galewick, and Mr. Ethan Ashford.”

Leonard immediately interjected, “Oh, no, please. There’s no need for formality.” He stretched his hand to Felipe. “Leonard Allenthorp. How do you do?”

“A pleasure to meet you, Your Grace,” Felipe replied, shaking Leonard’s hand, unsure of what Sophia had tried to communicate to him. “Mr. Ashford, how do you do?” he nodded, acknowledging Ethan.

The men greeted Valentina.

“So, Sophia, ready for another ride?” Ethan asked, eyeing Valentina with interest.

“Another ride?” Felipe looked at her, surprised.

“My flight was cancelled due to a snowstorm. Ethan offered me a ride, saving my day. His plane already had permission to depart.”

“You didn’t tell me,” Felipe frowned at her.

“It was-” she interrupted herself quickly. “Ah… We had so many things to talk about that I forgot, my dear.”

Leonard smiled, amused.

“May I offer my hospitality again? There is enough space for all of us.”

“Sophia?” Felipe looked at her, waiting for instructions. A normally talkative Valentina quietly surveyed the conversation.

“It’ll be a pleasure,” Ethan interjected, his voice low.

Sophia looked at Ethan and he gave her such a bright smile that she decided to accept. “Yes, I think so. It seems that I’m in your debt again.”

“Don’t worry, darling,” Ethan smiled wolfishly at her, “I’ll collect my credit in due time.”


London, The City, Fleet Street. Leibowitz Oil Building.

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009.

10.10 a.m.

“But Sophia-” The intercom buzz interrupted Edward Davidoff.

Sophia pressed the speaker button, “Yes, Sarah?”

“Mrs. L, Mr. Ashford on line three.”

“Mr. Ashford?” Sophia asked hesitantly and faintly blushed as Edward gave her a knowing smile. Since starting as a trainee, Edward has worked for Leibowitz Oil. His rise to the CEO position took eighteen years. He had been Sophia’s good friend since her marriage to Gabriel. And since Gabriel’s death, Sophia had relied on him more and more.

“He said it was a private matter,” Sarah answered.

Edward chuckled and Sophia rolled her eyes heavenward.

“Answer it, Sophia,” Edward prompted.

“Okay, Sarah. Put him through.” As she motioned to pick up the receiver, Edward made a signal for her to talk on the speakerphone.

“Hello, Ethan.”

“How are you, darling?”

“Darling, huh?” Edward mocked in a whisper. Sophia made a face.

“I’m very well, thank you, Ethan. And you?”

“I’m fine, thank you. I’m calling to collect my lunch. Are you free today?”

“Ah… Let me check my schedule.”

“Accept, Sophia. You have nothing better to do at lunch,” Edward murmured. Sophia shook her head.

“Sophia, I’m looking forward to seeing you again,” Ethan said huskily.

Edward’s eyes twinkled. “Come on, Sophia, accept or I’ll go in your place. He seems quite interesting,” he whispered.

“Ah, I- Yes, I’m free, Ethan.”

“Great. Where do you want to go?”

“Le Gavroche,” Edward suggested immediately.

“Are you crazy?” Sophia retorted, loudly. Too public.

“I beg your pardon?” Ethan said.

“Ah, sorry. I was- I saw something in my e-mail,” she stuttered and rolled her eyes. “Anywhere you chose is fine with me.”

“Oh, no, darling. I would like you to suggest it,” he lowered his voice to a seductive tone, “I want to know your taste.”

At this, Edward put his hand on his mouth to muffle his laugh. “He’s hot,” he whispered in a low voice. “Go for it, Sophia. I guarantee he’ll like your taste.”

“Ah… So, what about Le Gavroche?”

“My darling, my mouth is already watering,” he answered, the sensual intonation stronger. “What time?”

Already Edward loved this man. Someone to sweep Sophia off her feet.

“Is one o’clock okay for you?”

“Sure. I’ll make reservations and pick you up at a quarter to one.” He sounded satisfied.

“There is no need-”

“I insist. Until then.”

“Edward, you’re sooooo dead!” Sophia said when she hung up.

He laughed. “Sophia, if you don’t want to go…”