Danilo continued, undeterred by the silence, âNala and I are currently on a small island off the coast of Stastle.
In two days, youâre welcome to visit.
Iâll personally ensure Nala is returned to you.
However, Iâd hope for a bit of compassion on your part towards her, Ms.
Simmons.
â
Lucinda couldnât help but respond, âHow I handle this is a matter for the Simmons family, Mr.
Brewer.
Your concern is noted but unnecessary.
Regarding the island rendezvous, are you suggesting I come alone?â
âNo, thatâs not my intention,â Danilo clarified.
âYouâre free to bring security personnel, Ms.
Simmons.
My only request is that Mr.
Payne does not accompany you.
Iâd like to keep this matter away from military involvement.
â
Despite his clarification, Lucinda remained unconvinced by his terms.
âMr.
Brewer, whatâs this fear you have of the army? What have you been up to in Cadiered? Are you concerned it might tarnish your aristocratic reputation in Zephyria?â Lucinda pressed.
Danilo let out a heavy sigh, the weight of the situation palpable in his voice.
âMs.
Simmons, youâve mentioned that retrieving Nala is a family affair.
As such, Iâd prefer it to be handled discreetly.
The involvement of your husband changes the dynamics significantly.
â
Lucinda, unfazed by his concerns, remained determined.
âNathan is my lawfully wedded husband.
Iâve never visited the island before, and his concerns for my safety are valid.
He will accompany me, though I can assure you, as long as there are no deceptions from Nala, we can settle this matter privately within the Simmons family.
â
âMs.
Simmonsâ¦â
Danilo began, but Lucinda was done discussing.
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âIf your conditions are so restrictive, Mr.
Brewer, Iâm inclined to refuse your offer.
With or without your cooperation, I will find Nala on my own eventually, and I wonât be so accommodating then.
â
With that, she ended the call, leaving Danilo and Nala to ponder her words anxiously.
As Lucinda mulled over the impending meeting on the island, Nathanâs arms encircled her from behind, his chin finding a cozy spot on her shoulder.
Turning slightly, she asked softly, âDarling, did you sleep well?â
âWith you by my side, I could find rest on the street and still greet the dawn with a smile, Lucinda,â Nathan replied with a warmth that eased her spirit.
Laughing at his exaggeration, Lucinda teased, âI am not planning to sleep on the street with you.
Maybe thatâs no hardship for us, but think of the children.
Thatâs not happening.
â
âYouâre right, as always, Nathan agreed, inhaling the scent of her hair contentedly.
His voice, lazy yet serious, carried his next question.
âI overheard your conversation with Danilo.
Do you want me to bring the army in two days?â
Lucinda declined Nathanâs offer.
âItâs not a significant issue.
There is no need for you to get the army involved in this.
Regardless of whatever schemes Nala and Danilo may have up their sleeves, they wouldnât dare to cause any trouble in Cadiered.
â
Nathan remained apprehensive.
âIn that case, Iâll have Sonny lead the team to patrol the seaside.
If thereâs any sign of trouble, theyâll swiftly move onto the island to ensure your safety.
â
It was a well-thought-out plan.
Lucinda nodded, turned to him, cradled his face in her hands, and planted a tender ki*s on his lips.
âSweetheart, youâre so considerate.
â
Nathan enveloped her in his arms and whispered, âMy love, do you have any special reward for me?â
âWhat reward do you want?â