Page 25 of Reign of a Billionaire

“I’ve never been to the Port of Washington,” I lied, then feigned curiosity as I added, “Where is it?”

“Nowhere.”

Stopping in front of the door that led to my bedroom suite, I turned to face her. “Why do you ask?”

My heart pounded as I locked eyes with the woman who gave me life. She was a bad mother, but an even crueler criminal. She protected us from her enemies, but not from herself.

Mother sighed. “Never mind.”

I nodded. “Good night, then.”

I entered my suite and shut the door firmly behind me, dreading sleep and my nightly visits with the ghosts that just wouldn’t let me be.

Chapter 15

Liana

My neck was stiff and every muscle in my body ached.

My fingers flew across the keyboard and my eyes burned from hours spent staring at my laptop screen. For two days, I’d been trying to penetrate Nico Morrelli’s walls. I’d tried every possible combination and hit a dead end every single time.

My sister had been better at this tech stuff than me. She’d taught me a few tricks, but I was always better at sketching. At art in general.

My chest tightened. God, I missed her. I should have been stronger. I should have done a better job protecting her. I should have?—

There were so many “should haves” as self-loathing threatened to overwhelm me. I had to quickly put the lid on those emotions. It never boded well going down memory lane.

Instead, I focused on ensuring the women I saved were okay. So, biting my lip, I tried again. I searched for any crack in his firewalls before the screen blanked out on me.

“Dammit,” I muttered, frustrated, my palms hitting the table. “I need toknow.”

I’d done detailed research on the man. He was a genius, and he was also a virtuous crusader. He funded Gia’s—his housekeeper’s—shelters, who had been a victim herself. For whatever reason though, I wanted assurance that these women were safe, that I hadn’t endangered them further.

A message popped up on the dark web.

You’ll never break into my database.

“What the?—”

I had not expected this.

My heart pounded wildly. It shouldn’t surprise me that Nico Morrelli caught on to me trying to penetrate his network. While I debated whether to talk to the man or not, another message came up.

What do you want?

“At least he’s to the point,” I muttered under my breath. Then, deciding I might as well get the information I wanted, I brought my fingers to the keyboard.

Are the girls safe?

They are.

Relief washed over me like a cold stream on a hot summer day, except there was no sunshine here. I hoped those women would have theirs though. Another message came in.

Who are you?

My hands hovered over the keyboard. I wanted to tell him. I needed a friend. But trust was an expensive thing in this world. Misplacing it could cost youeverythingthat ever mattered to you. Another message popped up.

We can help you.