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“But you said that, if Antonio senses any weakness, he won’t like it. Won’t fainting be seen as a weakness?”
“Not necessarily, but you can let me deal with that once I get you safe.”
“What if he doesn’t let us leave even if I appear unwell?”
“I’ll insist that you’ll only see your own doctor. He’ll respect that even if he wants to cancel the deal.”
“But if he cancels the deal, then all your hard work would be for nothing.”
“But you’ll be alive.”
She took a deep breath. “It won’t come to that. We’ll have a successful meeting. After this, we can visit Maddy with the good news and celebrate the win.”
* * *
When they reached the gate, Will looked at Charlotte and gave her a nod before pressing the intercom.
After announcing their arrival, they drove down a short, tree-lined drive.
Charlotte noted guards dotting the landscape. “Is it like this every time you visit?”
“Yes. Antonio is a very cautious man. Everything is as it should be.”
“And Maddison doesn’t mind? She strikes me as the type of woman who would have guards.”
“She has me.” He grinned.
“Against a pile of armed guards? Of course, how silly of me.”
“I’m worth at least three of those guys.”
“There’s more than three.”
“On a good day, I could take more.”
“Is today a good day?”
He reached across and laid a hand on her knee. “I told you I’d do everything in my power to protect you, and I will. And don’t forget, Maddison is fearless.”
“Right. Yes.” She put her own hand over his. “We’re going to do great.”
Will parked the car, and a butler opened the door for Charlotte. She stood and straightened her back, not bothering to look around because Maddison had been here before.
“Antonio,” Will said as a short bald man came out of the house to greet them. “It’s good to see you again.”
They shook, but Antonio didn’t smile until he approached Charlotte. She had to lean down to allow him to kiss her cheeks like Will had prepared her.
“My dear. It’s lovely to see you again.”
She smiled and touched her neck, nodding toward Will.
“She’s recently had surgery on her throat. That’s why I told you before she wouldn’t make it.”
“You said she was traveling.”
“Do you let your business associates know about your visits to the doctor?”
“Point taken. However, I’m glad you made it today, Maddison.”
