Page 77 of High-Priority Asset

As she got ready for the day, she set aside her personal issues and steeled herself for what had to be done.

She went downstairs, wondering if Emilio would show his face at breakfast.

Pushing through the door that led to the courtyard, she stepped outside and had her answer.

Of course he was there. He was playing host to them and he hadn’t the decency to feel any shame. Emilio sat proud as a peacock, talking to Dutch, speaking in his animated way, waving his hands.

Isabel held her head high and strode to the table. “Good morning.” She kept her tone light and neutral, hiding the enormous burden weighing on her.

Dutch stood, kissed her cheek and handed her the purse she’d forgotten last night. The way she’d rushed from dinner had been clumsy and reckless. She wouldn’t blame him if he was furious with her, but when she glanced at him all she saw was compassion in his eyes.

“I’m pleased you joined us, my dear,” Emilio said and took a sip of his fresh-squeezed orange juice.

“I’m not here for your pleasure. I have to eat.” She sat and poured herself a cup of coffee.

“Ah, so you’re still cross with me.” His voice was mild and amused, and it made her want to scream. “I was hoping that tomorrow we could spend the day together. Go shopping, take a walk on the beach.”

As if buying her new clothes and jewelry and taking an oceanside stroll would make everything better. “Prepare for disappointment,” she said. “As soon as I’m done arranging your event, Dutch and I are leaving.”

That wiped the smug look from Emilio’s face. “I understand you’re angry and want to punish me, but not like this. We’re family. I love you, Isabel. You must find a way to embrace what you’ve learned. Or move beyond it. But I won’t let you shut me out.”

Emotions raged inside her. Isabel sucked in air, filling her lungs until she couldn’t take in more. She shut her eyes and gritted her teeth, struggling for some semblance of control. Keep it together. You have to do this. “I won’t be getting over it today or anytime soon.”

Rodrigo entered the courtyard, came up to Emilio and whispered in his ear.

“Where do I know that name?” Emilio asked in response.

Again, Rodrigo whispered.

This time, Emilio’s gaze flew up to Isabel and then whipped to Dutch. “Excuse me. I have a phone call I must take.” He stood and walked into the house with Rodrigo following him.

“I’m sorry for losing it last night,” Isabel said, mortified over how distracted and distraught she’d been. A complete wreck almost ruining everything.

“Don’t worry about it.” Dutch unzipped her purse and fished out the special tape.

God, she needed to quit getting sidetracked.

Working quickly, he ripped off a piece of tape, carefully took Emilio’s glass by the top, and pressed the adhesive to where his thumb had been minutes ago.

Dutch peeled off the tape and held the small strip up to the light. There was a clear, solid print.

They got it.

Dutch lowered his hand seconds before the door to the house opened.

Emilio waltzed out with Rodrigo and Max. And two more guards.

She clenched her napkin in her lap. “Is everything all right?”

“I received a call from your ex-boyfriend, the business owner,” Emilio said. “Chad Ellis. He’s concerned about you and had some very interesting things to say.”

Why would Chad call her uncle... Emilio? How did he even know she was there? “You shouldn’t listen to anything he says. Chad hasn’t gotten over the breakup. He’s having difficulty letting go. I’m sure he’s just trying to stir up trouble.” To make her life miserable.

“That may be,” Emilio said. “But I think Dutch can help me get to the bottom of it. Dutch, would you come with me?”

It might’ve sounded like a question, but it was an order.

“Can this wait?” Isabel asked, tension surging through her. “I need Dutch’s help with the final preparations.”