Page 197 of Lorenzo

His gaze meets mine.

“Yes,” he says, almost pleasantly.

I almost smile.

He is going to make me drag every inch of this out of him.

I set down my cup.

“Your family arrived in Chicago, and Lakeview started losing business. Shortly after Conti Enterprises opened, Lakeview shut down. And somehow, money connected to that company eventually moves through Harbor Peak, into three different shell corporations, and from there into Rachel Monroe’s accounts.”

“Hmm.” He sets his cup down as well, but his expression remains unreadable. “Interesting.”

“Oh, come on, Lorenzo. I know you and your family did not arrive in Chicago, shake a few hands, and become one of the most powerful families in the city because you’re charming.”

One corner of his mouth lifts.

“You think I am charming?”

“I didn't say I think you're charming. I'm simply saying other people may make the mistake of thinking you are.”

I tap the Lakeview paperwork again.

“I know businesses didn’t just decide to get out of your way.”

Lorenzo says nothing.

Exasperated, I stand. Mocha's head lifts, and he follows my movements.

“Lorenzo, they framed your son for murder.”

He stands too, so he's face-to-face with me. “I'm well aware of the situation, Donatella.”

“So why are you withholding information? Are you enjoying this or something?”

“No,” he says, very deliberately.

I study him.

For once, I believe him.

Whatever Lakeview means to Lorenzo, he is definitely not amused by it.

I turn away from him and look into the fire.

I feel Lorenzo step closer. He slides a gentle finger along my shoulder. “You're upset.”

I let out a sound that is half laugh, half exasperated sigh. “I am… confused. And when I am confused, I get annoyed.”

He turns me gently by the shoulder to face him. His eyes are soft now, looking into mine.

“I am not trying to confuse you,” he says.

“Could’ve fooled me.”

He takes my face in his hands gently, but he doesn’t kiss me. Just holds me.

“Tell me you know the difference.”