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CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN

One Day Later

"Are you telling me you asked Odin Lykaios to figure out who hacked our system?" I ask Athanasios.

"Yeah. I should’ve done it a long time ago."

"I thought you didn’t want to bring in outsiders," I say.

What happened—those swapped test results a few years ago—was serious.

We tried to handle it discreetly while tracking down the culprit.

It never happened again. Lykaios himself built us an airtight security system that no one’s been able to crack.

But we never told him why we hired his company in the first place.

"Yes. I don’t like involving outsiders," William says, "but Odin’s not just anyone. He’s rock solid. Helped us twice before."

"Whoever did it could be dead already," I argue.

"Yeah, and the world would be a better place if that bastard kicked the bucket," Athanasios says. "But maybe he’s just lying low, messing with us."

"If that’s the case, it’s working," William adds. "The idea that we’re exposed in any way makes my skin crawl."

"Keep me posted with whatever Odin finds," I say. "Anyway, are you guys staying at Morrison’s for the engagement party?"

"Not us," Athanasios answers first. "We’re rolling in with our mini-army of noisy little humans. Plus, Eleanor’s coming with her husband."

"Same here. Taylor rented a house nearby. It’d be too chaotic with all of us under one roof."

"Morrison said he didn’t mind. The place is massive."

"I was looking into nearby properties myself. Thinking of buying something in Cape Cod," William says. "I’m over the Hamptons."

"Tell me about it. It’s unbearable in the summer," Athanasios grunts.

"Cape Cod’s not that different," I point out, even though I already closed on a property there earlier this morning.

Alexis and I have been talking about more kids. She’s eager to grow our family, and what my woman wants, my woman gets. That includes more space—especially for vacations. The new Cape Cod house will handle that just fine.

"So, let me make sure I’ve got it straight," William says. "We head straight to Morrison’s? That’s where the party’s happening?"

"Exactly. We figured it’d be safer for the kids. The restaurant’s got balconies and places they could fall from. Morrison’s place is more relaxed, too. Anyway, I need to go. The night nanny’s out, and Sedric’s wild these days. Alexis still can’t push herself too much."

"Think you can talk about your son without that smug-ass grin plastered on your face?" Athanasios teases.

"Sure. Right after you wipe the drool off your face when you bring up your own, jackass."

"Hey," I call out to Alexis from her studio door. She’s claimed one of the spare rooms to record her shows and has been working every day.

Maybe in a hundred years I’ll get used to her greeting me with that beautiful, lovesick smile. But right now? All I can do is thank my lucky stars for this second chance with her.

"Hey. Hungry? I totally forgot to eat," she says, getting up and walking straight into my arms.

"Sandwich?" I offer.

"Nope. Real food, doctor. You’re supposed to be a role model for our little guy."

"I actually came early for him."

"Turns out you didn’t need to. The day nanny stayed longer. She’s a sweetheart."

Half an hour later, we’re eating, but Alexis has that little furrow in her brow.

"What’s on your mind?"

"Dr. Berardi called today. Said we’ve got a great shot at winning Mom’s civil suit against the DeCarlo family."

"Matheus is the best criminal lawyer out there."

" Matheus? " she says, narrowing her eyes.

For the first time I can remember, I feel my face get warm.

I don’t say a word, just look away—but Alexis, being the bloodhound she is, already knows.

"You hired him!" she says, sliding into my lap. "I had a hunch. I couldn’t figure out why someone so high-profile would take our case. Why didn’t you tell me?"

"I wanted to take care of you. I didn’t need a thank-you—I just wanted you happy. And I knew having your mom back would make you happy."

"The boat too? The guy who bought it—was he connected to you?"

"Is this an interrogation now?" I dodge, embarrassed.

"You don’t have to answer. That face of yours already did," she teases, kissing me all over.

"Now that you know all my dark secrets, future Mrs. Seymour, I might as well admit something else: I’m a huge fan of your shows. Watched them the whole time we were apart. But seriously—what was bothering you when I got home? And don’t say the lawsuit."

"It wasn’t that. It’s just...when Dr. Berardi asked if Mom had any old enemies, it got under my skin.

I’ve been going over her whole life. Mom never hurt a soul, LJ, but she’s always drawn trouble.

Dad and my grandparents dying . . . the fire you and your friends saved her from .

. . and now this whole mess with her being framed for murder. "

"Shit happens to good people, babe."

"I know. But this is too much . And if that old lady’s fall really was caused by someone out to get her, then we’re dealing with a total maniac. And they’re not gonna stop."