Page 30 of Secret Baby for my Off-Limits Fiancé

“She claims this land is hers. That we owe her for it.”

“What?”

Dad shakes his head, looking tense. “The deed had Giorgio’s name on it, and I did a thorough background check. The sale was legal.”

“So then, what business does she have coming in here like this?”

“She’s threatening legal action unless we compensate her family or give her shares in the winery,” one of the lawyers explains.

“Is that even possible?”

The lead lawyer adjusts his glasses. “Technically, yes. If she can prove the land was wrongfully acquired, she might have a case.”

Dad leans forward, his expression hard. “We can’t just give in. That land has been legally bought.”

“I agree. But we also can’t afford a prolonged legal battle. It could damage our reputation.”

The lawyer clears his throat. “There’s also the matter of the will. It states that the land belonged to both Giorgio and Emilio.”

Dad’s face pales. “I didn’t know that.”

My jaw clenches. “Maestro Giovanni mentioned Emilio’s criminal record. Do you think that has anything to do with this?”

The lawyers exchange glances.

“Could be,” one of them mutters. “But if Giovanni knows something, then so does Eva.”

Dad exhales sharply. “What can we do?”

The lawyer’s gaze hardens. “We can hire a private investigator.”

I nod. “Do it. We need to know what we’re dealing with.”

As I sit back, a cold realization washes over me.

If Eva wins, if this even goes to court, our entire vineyard could be at stake.

Everything we’ve worked for, everything I’ve built my future on, could be ripped away.

8

LAYLA

“Notbadforafew days of work, huh?” Giana nudges me, her proud grin contagious as we stand at the front of my shop.

Just seventy-two hours ago, this space was an absolute disaster, waterlogged, ruined. Now, it’s somewhat clean, organized, and on its way to being whole again.

I nod, exhaling a breath. “I’d say so.”

“Time to celebrate?” Giana wiggles her eyebrows.

I roll my eyes. “Not yet.”

Sometimes, I swear Giana is still in college mode, even though we’re both in our mid-twenties, her appetite for partying hasn’t waned one bit. I don’t know where she finds the energy.

“Okay, but soon?”

I laugh. “Hold your horses, G.”

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