Chapter 53 Just as Well That She's Gone

The air in the study was thick and oppressive, like the low pressure before a storm. Heavy curtains were drawn tight, letting in only a few slivers of dim light. Alessandro sat behind the massive mahogany desk, a half-smoked cigar between his fingers. Smoke curled around his grim face. Elena lounged on the leather couch nearby, flipping through a fashion magazine. The door opened. Lucia stepped inside. She had changed out of the bright red casual outfit and now wore a simple white shirt and jeans. Her face was bare of makeup and pale as paper. In her hand, she clutched a file folder tightly. Alessandro lifted his eyes and gave her a cold, measuring glance. He said nothing. "Before we get started," Lucia said. She walked to the desk and placed the folder on its polished surface with a soft tap. "I have something for you." He didn't reach for it. He exhaled a slow stream of smoke, his expression dismissive. "If it's an explanation, save it. I'm not interested in your stories." "I