Regina had always been tough as nails, her resilience forged through years of trials and tribulations. It was only in Nolanâs presence that her vulnerability peeked through, hinting at a softness seldom seen.
In recent years, Regina had rocketed forward in personal growth. Her family had little regard for her career, and she often found herself in a battle of wits with her stepmother and stepsister. But those domestic skirmishes were childâs play compared to the nights she spent staking out suspects in the biting cold, waiting for a story to break.
Once she had cooled down, Reginaâs mind raced, trying to pinpoint where the leak might have come from. She had been covertly investigating Domingo and only ever discussed it with Nolan. How, then, did that man know they would be there that day? Was his counter-surveillance that advanced?
When Regina shared her concerns with Nolan, he paused before asking her, âAre you sure you havenât mentioned Domingo to anyone else? I did bring him up with my team, but theyâre tight-lipped. And nobody knew about our plans for today.â
As Regina pondered Nolanâs words, she recalled mentioning Domingoâs name in a ploy to As Regina pondered Nolanâs words, she test Imogen. âCould it have been her?â
âImogen Skinner, Domingo Skinner⦠They share a surname⦠Regina, why were you probing her about Domingo? Did you find a connection between them?â Nolanâs mind raced back to a previously dismissed hunch, now seeing it in a new light.
âI havenât pieced it all together, but I know Imogen had a dark past sheâd rather forget before she married into my family-both she and her daughter. She might have had an ex-husband? Iâm not certain it was Domingo, but Imogenâs reaction to his name was telling. Thereâs a hidden relationship there,â
Regina admitted.
Nolan nodded thoughtfully. âItâs very possible her ex was Domingo. Itâs no surprise heâd know about our visit then. Imogen couldâve tipped him off if she suspected we were onto him. Maybe weâve been watched since we walked into this place-lured to the most isolated spot to be trapped.â
Regina felt guilty. âI was only trying to investigate another angle, to uncover their connection. I never intended for it to backfire on us. Iâm sorry.â
âNo need to apologize. Your questions confirmed our suspicions, right?â Nolan reassured her, but hesitated before asking, âIâm curious, though. Have Domingo and Imogen been in touch all these years? And⦠does your father know about this?â
Regina was taken aback, having not considered that angle. âI donât know if theyâve stayed in contact.
But Imogenâs past with him wasnât happy. Otherwise, why would she have been so desperate to marry into my family? She and her daughter were in dire straits when they first arrived, suggesting a rough home life. If Domingo was as capable then as he is now, why would they have lived in such hardship?â