Chapter 6 Almighty Vinton Crost's Weakness

ELIZA’S POV

“We really did it!” Nora whispered excitedly.

I shushed her as I looked around, my heart beating wildly in my chest.

“Don’t worry,” she assured me. “Nobody comes down to the wine cellar except the housekeeper. So it’s safe to talk.”

I nodded with a happy smile and grabbed Nora’s hands gratefully. “Thank you for doing this with me. I can’t explain how grateful I am.”

“Come on, Liza. I’m more than happy to do anything I know will bring you the closure you deserve. Anything that doesn’t involve killing people,” she added, narrowing her eyes at me.

I smirked at her. “What do you think?”

Her eyes widened in absolute horror, and she dropped my hands.

“Oh, Liza. Do you plan to wipe out the entire family?” Her voice dropped into a horrifying whisper.

I tried not to laugh out loud at her perplexed expression.

“I am not a murderer,” I told her with a shrug. “And I never want to be. But I want Vinton Crost to pay for what he did to my mother, but I won't take his life. This is not an eye-for-an-eye mission.”

Nora breathed out a sigh of relief. “Thank God. I was afraid I’d have to rehearse the statement I’d give to the police.”

I shook my head at her. “It would never get to that.”

“Have you heard from Poppy or Nico?” she whispered.

I shook my head again. "I had told them to lay low for now. No social media, no gadgets, nothing. Not until everything blew over."

Nora nodded, looking both amazed and impressed. “I can’t believe you really pulled this off and evaded the authorities.”

“It wasn’t that hard,” I said. “Nobody thought a girl with a pretty face could stage a kidnap. Especially one who ended up saving the target.”

“You’re right. You’re safe. Be careful, all right?”

“I would be,” I told her with a smile and pulled her into a tight hug. “Thank you for being my bestfriend. I’d choose you in a thousand lifetimes as my best friend.”

“Well, Vinton Crost owed you the insurance that was never given to your mother. And if stealing it right from under his nose is how you get it, then I would do everything to make sure you do.”

“I am going to get you that bikini you bookmarked on Instagram,” I promised with a grin.

“And a two-way ticket to the Maldives. It’s the only place worthy of such an obscene piece of clothing.”

“Done,” I declared, and we broke into giggles before stepping away from each other.

Nora looked around the luxurious, well-stocked cellar and let out a small sigh.

“I’m a little sad to leave, but I’m never going to miss Anna’s bitchy face.”

I chuckled. “So she's that way with everyone?”

“Yes. She's that way with everyone who isn't as rich as her dear billionaire husband.”

“I will stay out of her way as much as I can and hope she stays out of mine.”

Nora leveled me with a hard gaze. “She will get on your last nerves. You have to be patient with her and make sure you never do or say anything that could blow your cover.”

“I can't promise anything,” I muttered.

Nora glared at me. “Liza, don’t. I don’t want to visit you in prison.”

“Everything is going just as planned, Nora. And within the next few months, this will all be done and over with.”

“I trust you.”

She moved toward the door, and I followed.

We returned to the mansion, and for the second time that evening, I marveled at the extravagance of Vinton Crost’s estate.

Nora grabbed her box of clothes, already packed, and waved me goodbye as she descended the stairs.

Left alone in the room that was now mine, I looked around, realizing that even the guest room was more luxurious than I had anticipated.

Was Nora going to miss her old life? I couldn’t help but wonder.

I changed into comfortable shorts and a pink, colorful tank top. As I got into bed and pulled the covers up, I heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps along the hallway.

My heart picked up speed. I quickly pushed the covers off, got up, and tiptoed to the door to listen.

Slowly, I heard the door across from mine open. That was Tilly’s room, and curiosity got the better of me.

Soundlessly, I pushed my door open and peeped out. Sure enough, someone stood at Tilly’s door.

It wasn’t just anyone. It was Vinton Crost, standing there and watching his daughter sleep, a look of quiet adoration evident on his face.

It felt strange seeing him wear such an expression. I was more accustomed to his harsh remarks and cold glares.

He stayed there for several moments, and while he watched his daughter, I watched him.

If he knew what family meant, why hadn’t he cared whether my mother lived or died? Why had the life of a janitor who had worked diligently for him for years not mattered?

My heart constricted painfully, and I rubbed the tattoo on my wrist, something I had grown accustomed to doing whenever I thought of her.

Suddenly, Vinton Crost turned, and his dark eyes met mine. Surprise flickered across his face.

“Do you need anything?” he asked, his gaze dropping briefly to my tank top and shorts. Under his careful perusal, I felt naked.

“I heard footsteps and thought I should check on her,” I replied, nodding toward his daughter’s room.

He frowned, confusion crossing his features, like he hadn't expected me to care that much. “You can return to yours now. She is fine and safe.”

I smirked and dropped my folded arms. His eyes flicked to my chest, and my nipples tightened involuntarily.

He turned away and cursed under his breath, and I wondered what the hell my bodily reaction had been.

“Good night, Mr. Crost.”

“Good night, Eliza. And next time, put on something more decent. We are not throwing a teenage party here.”

I laughed softly at his retreating back because I had learned something new.

The almighty Vinton Crost had a weakness. A weakness I intended to exploit to my greatest advantage.