The day after the auction.
Crimson Gardens.
Leonard, sporting a large bandage across his forehead, knocked on the study door before entering to deliver his usual report on the surveillance at Willow House.
“Sir, Mrs. Bennett hasn’t left Willow House at all today.”
Seated behind his desk, Lysander looked up, his expression unreadable, his sharp eyes slightly narrowed. “So, she’s planning to hole up in there until her new ID is ready.”
Today was April first.
In four more days, the fifteen-day waiting period imposed by the local authorities would be up, and Mila would be able to collect her new identification documents.
Once she had those, getting replacements for everything else would be a breeze.
A shadow flickered across Lysander’s eyes. He spoke, almost to himself, “I can’t let her leave the country.” After a moment’s thought, he looked up at Leonard, a slow, calculating smile forming on his lips.
“My dear in-laws haven’t seen their daughter in years, I imagine they must miss her terribly. Invite them over. It’s time for a family reunion.”
Leonard frowned instinctively, but quickly lowered his gaze and replied, “Yes, sir.”
Just then, Lysander’s phone began to buzz on the desk. He answered it without looking, and Ryan’s boisterous voice came through the line.
“Lysander! You guys really had my back while my brother was away. Tonight’s on me—we’re all gathering at Nathaniel’s club for dinner. You absolutely have to be there.”
“…Alright.”
After he hung up, Leonard reminded him, “Sir, your head’s only just healed. You shouldn’t be drinking.”
Lysander’s tone was cool. “A little won’t hurt.”
He hadn’t exactly been in a good mood lately.
…
As soon as Ryan knew Lysander would come, he called Giselle.
“Giselle, I did what you asked—Lysander’s in for tonight.” He hesitated, then asked, “Why not invite him yourself?”
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