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Anything in the extreme wasn’t good for anybody. Alcohol could be used as medicine and as a liquid that numbed the mind. A knife in the hand of a chef differed from a knife in the hand of a killer. Alcohol was a thing that couldn’t make its own decision. A rock on the ground wasn’t responsible for someone using it to break a window.

Ichoseto turn alcohol into a drink and profited from it. I wasn’t the only wine company in the world. But I used the profit to aid those suffering from alcoholism and other diseases. Was I doing the right thing? I wasn’t sure.

The entrance to Remi’s hotel was crowded. I pulled up to the valet, got out of my Maserati, and gave the key to the young man.

Shrugging off the irritation, I steered my mind toward the wine convention. Would CheckMate make it to the next round?

CHAPTERTHREE

VIVIAN

“See you on Tuesday,”I told my staff and headed out.

I didn’t work full-time at the office. Dr. Jillian Jones was the general dentist, and Dr. Nancy Goodwin covered for me a few days a week for pediatric needs. I spent the extra time searching for Aimee and teaching at the Martial Arts Studio. I enjoyed the exercise and teaching other women how to defend themselves. Knowing self-defense would have helped me when I was younger.

I slid into my car and saw the Kuromi—a stuffed toy—in the back seat. It was a bunny wearing a black jester’s hat and a devil’s tail that belonged to Kaylee, a brilliant thirteen-year-old girl. Two years ago, I became her guardian when her mom passed. Kaylee’s mom had been good friends with my mom, so I took her in because she didn’t have any other family.

I sent her a text.

Vivian:Hey. I’ll be home late tonight. Eat the leftovers or frozen pizza in the freezer.

Kaylee:We’re getting McD’s.

Vivian:Not healthy.

Kaylee:Neither is pizza or leftover lo mein.

What every parent said about teenagers was correct: they were little devils.

Kaylee:Help me test out my new app, and I’ll eat all the salads you want.

I rolled my eyes.

How dare she give me an ultimatum?

Kaylee was an extremely intelligent girl, and I was happy she found her calling creating apps with her nerdy friends at an afterschool program at Whiz Kidz. But I didn’t have time to be her guinea pig. I wasn’t much help with her previous app, which was a game like Tetris. I didn’t have the patience for that. But she had since moved on to something more fun.

You’re her guardian. Support her dreams.

I blew out a breath. She didn’t have anyone but me.

Vivian:Okay, but only because you aced your last math test.

Kaylee:Promise not to go back on your word?

I glanced at the clock.

Vivian:Yup. Gotta go. Chat later.

Kaylee:Thanks! I’ll create an alias for you. Just play along. Better not go back on your word. (smile emoji) (heart emoji)

Was that a threat?

This girl, I swear.

Shaking my head, I shoved the phone into my purse and headed to La Luna Hotel. I parked in the garage, entered the elevator, and headed toward the event. I was probably underdressed in my tapered dark pants and pale yellow silk shirt.Whatever.I wasn’t here to impress anyone, negotiate a business deal, or buy a boatload of wine. I was here for information.

I entered the foyer with a giant chandelier and exotic flower displays. A fountain sprayed water from a water lily pond near the front desk. I walked up to the counter and retrieved a flyer for the International Wine Expo.