Author's note: this is from Duke's point of view

- - -

​​

My mind was stuttering as I regained my senses. Sanya told me that she changed her name into Seraphina. Can this be a coincidence? That is not a common name. Did I hear Sergio right? Sanya is in London?

I couldn't think over the thundering of my heart that was shaking my thoughts violently and I struggled to inhale.

"What did you say?", I asked breathlessly.

Sergio paused, wondering why am I on the verge of hyperventilating. "I said that Jess can get me in…"

"The last part!", I shouted impatiently.

"Jess was oozing jealousy. Seraphina must be better looking…", Sergio's voice trailed away. "What's got into you?"

"Seraphina. Is that Aldus's daughter?"

Sergio rolled his eyes at me. "Yes. The girl I'm talking about from the beginning. The heiress."

"What do you know about her?"

"Uhm…", Sergio paused, obviously confused by my sudden interest. "Beauty. Brunette. Good dancer."

"Anything else? Is there a photo?"

Sergio looked at me apprehensively. I was leaning over the table and probably looking like a madman with my crazed expression and bed hair, but I needed answers.

"There are no photos", Sergio responded after some time.

My temper was rising.

Why was he avoiding to look into my eyes? Was he picking his words and trying to hide something? Are we back to more secrets? I was aware that he was concealing things from me, but this was NOT something I will let pass. If Sanya was back I need to know about it!

"Aldus is keeping a low profile and only people closest to him know how he looks like. You are aware that Aldus is a mysterious man and the same goes for his daughter. Actually, until this event, no one knew that he has a daughter."

Pieces were falling into place. No one knew he had a daughter because he didn't have one. It must be Sanya, but I can't go voicing those thoughts without evidence. I needed more information.

"You said that Seb and Henry were with her last night."

"Yes."

"Did any of them…" Something was stuck in my throat. "…go home with her?"

Sergio shrugged, indicating that he doesn't know. "You will need to ask them."

"I will…"

…

Later that afternoon…

I stood on the balcony of my apartment and stared blankly at the street below me while rewinding what Henry and Sebastian told me.

I know them from college, they were two years ahead of me, and we also met on more events than I could count. After all, we are in the same circles. I used to attend many events as I was building my business network. Now my connections are solid, so I don't need to put myself out there so much.

Henry and Sebastian are players, but otherwise good guys. However, that doesn't mean I would be happy if any of them took my Sanya home last night.

I met Henry at the riding club, and I caught Sebastian for a quick chat as he was leaving from some lunch event.

Sebastian and Henry were not willing to share much about Seraphina, guarding the information like it's something precious. Instead of their usual bragging, they described her as a beauty with brains and good dancing skills.

Even without too many details, the physical description reminded me of Sanya, however, her personality was not a match.

Sanya didn't know how to dance, and she was directionally challenged while Henry and Sebastian described Seraphina as a graceful young woman who moves elegantly like a ballerina.

Sanya was my adorable clutz I had the honor of rescuing over and over again.

Also, the confidence guys mentioned didn't sound like my shy Sanya… however, I can't help but hope that Seraphina Mezzanotte is my Sanya.

Maybe I am losing my sanity as I'm building hopes on top of wishful thinking, and the rest is plainly unbelievable.

I saw Sergio looking at me with a thousand unspoken questions, but I couldn't tell him that I am holding onto a feeling that Sanya will be back because of one bitemark I woke up with, and a scent I picked up in Paris which I found with clues from a daydream. It sounds crazy even to me.

Henry said that he has Seraphina's phone number, but he was not willing to share it with me, saying that it wouldn't be appropriate. Why did he mention it then? Only to boast? Bastard.

If Sanya is Seraphina, that is both good and bad.

Good, because I finally have a solid lead related to where Sanya is.

Bad, because getting close to Aldus is nearly impossible. I might have better luck getting into a military facility with high security. That man is super-secretive, and he has numerous properties. Sanya could be anywhere.

- - -

Author's note: this is from Magda's point of view

- - -

I returned from the riding club in a bad mood.

Drago was there, and I missed him! He spoke with Henry and then he left!

I missed him by less than half an hour! Damn!

Why was Drago in the riding club? He never frequents that place.

Of course, Drago didn't answer my phone calls as he is silently avoiding me, but I wonder how long he can continue like that now that half of London believes we are about to get married and I'm pregnant with his child?

I decided to search for Henry and find out why Drago was there.

I saw red when I heard that Drago was asking about the latest buzz of London, Seraphina Mezzanotte.

It seems that everyone is talking about her!

During brunch at my daddy's hotel, during massage in the spa, during late lunch, and then in the riding club. Everyone was talking about that woman!

Just like any other, I enjoy the usual gossip that comes and goes with every new flashy face, but this was different. How is it possible that Drago was asking about her? When did she manage to seduce him? I hate her and I didn't even meet her!

I need to find out who she is, get close to her, and then sabotage her chances of getting close to Drago. He is MINE!

Unfortunately, as much as everyone is talking about that woman, no one knows how to get in touch with her. She is elusive and mysterious, just like her father which means that I need a different strategy.

I adjusted my mood and knocked on the door of my father's office.

"Come in…", I heard my father's voice.

"Hi daddy…", I greeted him with my bestest smile while ignoring my brother's scrutinizing look.

Why does John always look irked whenever I come to my father's study?

"How was your day so far?", I asked my father sweetly while kissing his cheeks.

He chuckled. It's easy to melt him away. "Good, good. Did you have fun today?"

"I did. The day was good. Actually, I heard something interesting, and I wondered if you have more information."

I had my father's attention.

"About?", he asked.

"Everyone is talking about Aldus Mezzanotte being in London and introducing his daughter at some event last night." I gave my father a meaningful look.

My father understood that I'm expecting him to say what he knows about it.

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