Page 358 of The Romance Adventure

Yeah, if the definition of philanthropist means pushing large amounts of money around to influence international trade laws for the ease of transporting illegal goods across borders, among other things.

“What does that mean—the international financier part?” Isla asks.

“That means he’s loaded. Whether he obtains his wealth from honest or shady means, that remains uncertain,” Royal answers.

Definitely shady.

“How’d you find this out?” Ryan asks.

“I know people,” my husband says simply.

But are they honest people or are they shady like Royal suggested?

“Of course, you do,” he says.

“And Chip knew Kurt Jerkovic,” CJ adds.

My pulse picks up the tempo because I instantly see where this is going.

“Right, that’s who we’ve been talking about,” Harley says slowly as if not sure whether she missed something or he did.

“You used the past tense. Does that mean he’s dead?” Lally asks.

A moment too late, I realize I’m shaking my head.

CJ’s gaze floats over me before returning to his sister-in-law. “As of yesterday, he’s very alive. Only now Kurt Jerkovic goes by Kent Von Dräger.”

The air is suddenly thick in my throat as I try to take a breath.

“Sounds like a vampire,” Isla says.

“Or an evil mastermind,” Lally says, repeating the name. The one I’m afraid will somehow summon him, even though I know that’s silly.

Isla bounces in her seat. “Oh, I want an alias.”

“No, you don’t,” CJ and I say at the same time.

Everyone looks at the two of us, then back to Isla when she says, “I meant like a code name. Magnus had his call names. I could be⁠—”

Royal kisses the knuckles of her hand. “You’ll always be Strawberry Shortcake.”

“Yeah, but I want an international financier name like Lady Jaguar.”

Everyone laughs, and I’m thankful for the diversion because the tension running through me couldn’t even be severed with the sharpest of teeth. In no world would Isla want to be associated with the Jaguar.

“Don’t mind Isla, she’s hopped up on sugar,” Royal adds.

Lally smiles warmly. “No, she’s always this way.”

“And that’s what I love about her.” Royal wraps his arm around her and kisses her temple.

“I say we visit Glandman. See what he has to say about Jerkovic,” CJ suggests.

“Why would he tell you anything?” My voice is hoarse.

“We have leverage,” Magnus says simply.

“We should all go,” Lally says.