Page 77 of The Mountain Man's Mail-Order Mafia Princess

“They confirmed an account. Jonah didn’t know I was coming until your driver left me at his cabin.”

Domenico turned toward the driver. “You said he denied the arrangement.”

“He did.”

“And you left her.”

“I followed the instructions I was given.”

Talia touched her father’s sleeve. “Your people verified public information. Nobody spoke to Jonah.”

Domenico looked at me again. “You had no knowledge of the profile?”

“None.”

“And your friend accepted my daughter without your permission.”

“He did.”

Domenico’s signet ring pressed into his palm. “That will be addressed.”

“Cade closed the profile and preserved the records,” I said.

Talia moved closer to her father. “You also didn’t ask whether Jonah agreed before you sent me.”

“The service showed an acceptance.”

“A screen isn’t a conversation.”

Domenico glanced toward the driver. “No. Apparently it isn’t.”

Music started behind us as a child ran past with a paper flag.

Domenico returned his attention to Talia. “You’ve completed the week. The lesson is over.”

“That depends on what you think the lesson was.”

“You wanted independence. You experienced it.”

“I experienced having everything you controlled removed because I disagreed with you.”

“You had shelter, food, transportation, and a vetted man responsible for you.”

“A man you never spoke to.”

He said nothing.

Domenico removed a phone from inside his jacket. “I can restore your access before we reach the highway. Your apartment and position are waiting.”

“You punished me for seeing a therapist.”

“I punished you for hiding family money and discussing private matters with a stranger.”

“The payments were wrong. My therapy wasn’t. Does it end if I come home?”

“Yes.”

Talia’s shoulders went still.