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His eyes are turning red. Anger, pity, and confusion storm his eyes all at once, but somehow, he maintains composure.
“I’m... I’m sorry,” a loud sob seizes my whole body. I don’t know if it’s enough, but that’s all I can say.
He grits his teeth. “I’m your father, and I have a duty toward you. To lead you down the right path. Elio Donatelli is a good man. He came to save me even when bleeding from his own wounds… He risked his life and identity knowing full well that I’ll put the pieces together and find out who he is.”
Another wrangled sob escapes my lips as my knees start to feel weak.
“...I appreciate him for that…maybe I even owe him one. But this is greater than me and him. It’s about you and what’s best for you. You’re going to be a lawyer, Aria. You have a bright future ahead. And it’s because I love you that I say this,” he finally walks to me, placing a hand on my shoulder, “whatever is between you both can’t work. Deep down, you know what's best for you…” his eyes go to my stomach, “and your baby. I will ensure you make the right decision. Deep down, you know you cannot bring a baby intohisworld. I cannot let you make a decision that you’d spend the rest of your life regretting. You need to stay away from him.”
Chapter thirty-five
Elio
In three days, Marcus Winston must be dead.
After my meeting with Stella Winston, Cortez and I have held a series of meetings with our family doctor, and the least suspicious way for us to have Marcus laid to rest is by poking the wound already festering within him.
Cortez leans back in his chair. “With his acute gastric issues, the doctor says at least five tablets of Ibuprofen every day should be enough to cause serious complications.”
I rub my chin, staring at the dim glow of the desk lamp. “And it has to be mixed in his drinks to work faster. But we have to consider all the different scenarios. What if it doesn’t act fast enough for instance? What if his body resists it? Or he goes ahead to get treatment elsewhere?”
Cortez exhales, brows furrowed in deep contemplation. “The doc seemed confident in his approach.”
I glance at him. “We don’t have time for setbacks, Cortez. I have only three days to outsmart Marcus. This has to work.”
“And what’s next, after he lands in the hospital due to his overdose?” Cortez asks, eyes fixed on me.
“Our doc will perform an unsuccessful surgery on him. His wife will ensure he gets to the particular hospital where he operates. I’m still working on that, but I’m sure it can play out successfully if everyone executes their part accordingly.”
Cortez nods in approval. “And what if his wife hesitates? She might not want his blood on her hands.”
I pick up my phone, dialing her number. “Surprisingly, she wants him out of the way just as much as we do. But that doesn’t mean I won’t check to make sure she’s committed and hasn’t suddenly changed her mind.”
Stella picks up after two rings, her voice at the other end is low and cautious. “Donatelli, what’s going on?”
“I’ve spoken to my family doctor and he’s confirmed that five tablets of Ibuprofen daily will start causing real problems soon enough. You’ll need to lace his drinks.”
She pauses briefly. “I already said I didn’t want anything tracing back to me and you’re asking me to lace his drinks? What if he notices? Or what if it takes too long?”
My fingers grip the phone tightly, controlling myself from swearing at her over the line. “Listen lady, this is all we’ve got right now with what you have given us and it has to work. You just need to do your part. No hesitation. No mistakes.”
She sighs. “In that case, I’ll only release the footage once he’s actually in the hospital. I need to be certain he’s out of the way.”
My jaw tightens. “You’ll do as I say, Stella. Just focus on your job. And make sure you cover your tracks; wipe the glasses, hide the Ibuprofen or flush them all…clean everything up. I don’t want a single trace left behind and I know you don’t either.”
“Alright,” she mutters. “I’ll do it. But you have to be ready to act fast if something goes wrong.”
“I’m always ready.” My voice is low but firm. “Call me the second he starts complaining of pain, I need to be prepared.”
She hesitates, then says, “Okay. And when that’s done?”
“You’ll ensure he gets treated at whatever hospital I pick. Understood?”
“This isn’t what we agreed to, Donatelli…”
“Now you listen to me, Mrs. Winston. None of these options are up for negotiation. If you get scared and think you can run away or open your mouth to reveal this entire plan to anyone else, your kids at that fancy boarding school, Sara and Terry, will be the ones to pay the price. I’m sure we’re now on the same page.”
“Don’t you dare threaten my kids…”