The guard hesitated.
Victor leaned forward.
“We are here regarding a property access and possible theft issue. Preserve all records.”
The guard immediately stepped back.
“Yes, sir.”
When they reached the villa, music was playing.
Same soft jazz.
Same terrace.
Same lie.
Elena stood outside the door for one second, hand over her heart. Mia squeezed her shoulder.
“You don’t have to be graceful,” Mia whispered.
Elena took off her sunglasses.
“Yes,” she said. “I do. That’s what will scare him.”
She unlocked the door.
Leonardo was in the living room wearing linen pants and an open white shirt, holding a glass of champagne. The woman in red was curled on the sofa, barefoot, her dark hair loose over one shoulder. Elena’s diamond earrings glittered in her ears.
The woman looked up first.
Then Leonardo turned.
For half a second, his face emptied.
No charm.
No anger.
Just shock.
Then he smiled.
“Elena,” he said, too warmly. “You’re back early.”
Elena looked at the woman.
“Take off my earrings.”
The woman blinked.
Leonardo laughed lightly.
“Baby, this is not what it looks like.”
Mia stepped inside behind Elena.
Victor followed.
Leonardo’s smile weakened.
Elena did not raise her voice.
“I said take off my earrings.”
The woman slowly reached up and removed them.
“And the bracelet.”
“Elena,” Leonardo said, tone sharpening, “don’t embarrass yourself.”
Elena looked at him.
“You sent your wife away to a prepaid spa reservation you booked six weeks before the wedding so your ex-girlfriend could come to our honeymoon villa and wear jewelry from my safe. I promise, Leonardo, I am not the embarrassment in this room.”
The woman’s face went pale.
“Six weeks?” she whispered.
