Page 12 of The Art of Ruin

Sympathy I hate tightens his brow. “Not your fault, Adi.”

He’s wrong. It absolutely was my fault. My damn nanny was blackmailed by a man set on destroying our family, and although Letty was never hurt or in real danger, it was an unacceptable mistake. And one I won’t make again. “If you say so.”

“I do.” He smiles, though it’s strained now. “But I know you, and I know it involves background checks up the wazoo.”

Nico leans back, watching us with the faintest trace of amusement. “She’s Isabella’s friend.”

That gives me pause.

Brief.

Controlled.

“She has friends,” Matteo adds helpfully.

“I’m aware.”

“People like her.”

“I’m also aware.”

Matteo’s grin turns sharper. “You know, socially. Outside of contractual obligation.”

“Is there a point approaching?”

“Yes. Try not to interrogate the woman into quitting before she starts.”

“I don’t interrogate.”

Nico’s brow lifts.

I ignore it.

“If she’s in my house with my daughter, I’ll know who she is.”

The room quiets slightly.

Not because I’ve raised my voice.

I haven’t.

Nico nods once. “Fair.”

“Let me do the checks. I’ll send you the report.”

Matteo is good at this kind of thing. And he knows I’m busy, so I nod. “Okay, thanks.”

Although I will be going through it with a fine-tooth comb.

At three fifteen,I step into the hallway and call home.

It rings once.

“Hello?”

“Hey.”

“Daddy!”