Chapter 46
As the car approached the gates of Sinclair Wine Estate, the gnawing feeling in Rain’s heart deepened. She looked around the picturesque vineyards and elegant architecture before her, but it only heightened the tension twisting in her stomach.
She knew Alexander would definitely come there, and after the way she tricked him in the morning she dreaded the thought of facing him again. Her sweaty palms and trembling legs made her feel like a goat tied in to lure a tiger!
She wanted to avoid Alexander to keep his curiosity about Twilight at bay. She had to perform at the Gentlemen’s Club the next night, and if he also attended and everything went smoothly as planned then she would be able to plant the remaining spyware in Madame Beck’s office. After that was done she would finally come clean to him afterward.
“I’ll tell Alexander to give you a tour of the vineyard,” Mr. Rock’s excited voice brought her back to reality and Rain, nervously fiddling with her ring, could only run a hundred excuses through her head to avoid another confrontation with him.
A tour of such a beautiful place sounded pleasant, but not with Alexander— and definitely not when it would most likely turn into an interrogation session.
The car finally stopped, and Rain felt her heart skip a beat. Mr. Rock exited with his signature smile plastered on his face, but Rain hesitated, taking a deep breath to steady herself.
As she stepped out, the fresh scent of grapes and earth filled the air. Rain noticed that the Sinclair Mansion Villa was an architectural masterpiece from a bygone era. “It’s so beautiful!” she gasped as she took in the mesmerizing beauty of her surroundings.
“I’m glad you like it dear. This was my wife’s favourite place, she always preferred this kind of abode, away from the loud and noisy city,” Mr. Rock commented, and Rain couldn’t agree more.
As they were talking, an older-looking man approached them and greeted them with a courteous bow, and said especially to Mr. Rock. “Sir, welcome back p>
“Is the brat not here yet?” Mr. Rock asked him after responding to his greeting.
“Not yet, sir. But everything is ready as you requested,” the man replied with a smile.
“Oh, Rain, meet him, this is Mario, the caretaker of our villa here,” Mr. Rock introduced. “Mario, this is Rain, my p>
Rain quickly interrupted, extending her hand as she introduced herself, “I’m the legal counsel Mr. Rock Lancaster hired to look into the issues regarding the winery and vineyards.” Mario shook her hand and said. “Attorney Rain Clayton. It’s nice to meet you p>
She looked at Mr. Rock and noticed he was giving her a puzzled look, his forehead creased in confusion.
Mario nodded. “Shall we head to the inner courtyard?” he suggested, leading the way.
Rain took the opportunity to whisper to her father-in-law, “Please don’t introduce me as your daughter-in-law. I want to interview everyone without them feeling pressured, it’s better for me to interact with the entire staff working here just as the legal counsel—not as your daughter-in-law p>
Mr. Rock chuckled at Rain’s request, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Alright, alright, I’ll play along if you say so. But I can’t promise not to slip up,” he teased with a wink.
They followed Mario to the inner courtyard. It was a serene oasis, with a fountain at the center and surrounded by lush greenery. The tranquil atmosphere should have put her at ease, but all she could think about was how she would handle Alexander when he arrived.
They were seated at a large, rustic table set with fresh bread, cheeses, and a bottle of the vineyard’s finest wine. Mr. Rock poured her a glass, his smile warm and inviting. “We can start eating lunch if you’re hungry, Rain p>
“Oh, it’s fine. Let’s wait for him,” Rain replied with a polite smile, though deep down in her heart she was hoping Alexander would call with some excuse, saying he couldn’t make it.
As she took a sip of the wine, she shifted her focus to the rich flavor and aroma of the wine. “This is good!” she commented, appreciating the strong wine as it distracted her successfully from the fear of seeing Alexander for a few moments. But before she could say more, the sound of approaching footsteps caught her attention.
Alexander’s tall figure appeared in the doorway, his eyes scanning the courtyard before locking onto Rain. He frowned at her as he asked, “You’re here? What are you doing here?” His tone was laced with confusion and a hint of irritation. He then shifted his gaze to his father and asked, “What’s the meaning of this p>
Mr. Rock ignored his frowning and quickly stood up to greet Alexander. “Ah, the prodigal son arrives!” he announced with a hearty pat on the back. “You should have seen this coming since you never even bothered to bring her to me,” he teased, a mischievous glint in his eye.
“What? I know, but Dad… This… I still can’t believe you’re acting on your own like this regarding this matter without consulting me!” Alexander commented, his tone a mix of frustration and disbelief.
Rain, sensing the tension brewing up between the father and son, quickly stepped in with an awkward smile. “I think there’s a misunderstanding of some sort because I’m here to work,” she interjected, hoping to diffuse the situation. It felt important to emphasize that her presence was less personal but more professional.
“That’s right!” Mr. Rock cheerfully seconded. “I asked Rain to look into the issues with our winery—to see if she can help with the legal matters p>
Alexander shrugged as he shifted his stare between her and his father. “Seriously?” he mumbled with a deep frown.
Mr. Rock clicked his tongue and scoffed, “Come now, Alexander. Don’t be so grumpy. Come and sit down to have a nice lunch together instead of standing there like a stiff pole.” Then he gestured to Alexander to join them.
Without a word, the shocked Alexander pulled out the chair beside Rain and sat down.
“See me after a week, huh,” he mumbled in a low voice enough for Rain to hear, almost as if talking to himself. Rain swallowed hard, feeling the tension between them tighten like a noose.
Mr. Rock, oblivious to—or perhaps enjoying—the undercurrents, instructed Mario to serve their meal.
“After lunch, you take Rain for a tour around the winery and vineyards,” he said casually. “Accompany her while she talks with the manager and other employees. Assist her with everything she needs p>
Alexander’s frown deepened. “Me?” he replied, his tone even, but Rain could sense the strain beneath it. “I’m not the one who brought her here,” he muttered, the lines on his forehead growing more pronounced.
Rain quickly tried to backtrack, sensing the tension between the two men. “There’s no need to tour me around. I’ll be quick and just focus on my work with the interviews of the staff of the winery to see p>
“Fine,” Alexander cut in, his lips twitching in what could have been either a smile or a grimace. “I’ll tour you around, Rain, and assist you. I’m sure you have a lot of questions, and I’m willing to give you genuine answers to everything p>
Rain blinked, taken aback by his sudden change in attitude, showing eagerness to take her around. She knew there was no getting out of this one.