The Devil's Surgeon

The File

Giovanni's POV

"Are you really not going to do anything about Lorenzo?" Raffaele asked, leaning back against the leather sofa with one ankle resting over his knee.

I looked up from the report in my hand. "He's one of my many enemies," I replied calmly. "An insignificant one, though I'll give him credit for putting together a foolproof plan to bring me down."

Raffaele snorted. "Kai called earlier. Lorenzo has been taking advantage of the rumors that you're dead. He's been showing up at board meetings, throwing his weight around."

I remained silent.

"And according to Kai, Don Alessandro has men searching for you day and night. Dead or alive."

At the mention of my father, a flicker of displeasure settled in my chest. I had no interest in discussing him.

"The information on Dr. Carter," I said, changing the subject.

Raffaele's lips curved knowingly. "Nothing out of the ordinary. The file's in your study." He studied me for a moment before adding, "Although I am curious."

"About?"

"Tell me — are you interested in her?"

I raised an eyebrow. "And why would you think that?"

He shrugged. "Because, for as long as I've known you, she's not exactly your type."

"And what exactly is my type?"

"The usual." He counted on his fingers. "Aristocrats. Heiresses. International models. Women who grew up with old money and expensive tastes." He smirked. "Allora, cos'è cambiato?" So, what changed?

"Nothing's changed. And for the record," I said evenly, "I have zero interest in Dr. Carter."

"Really?"

"She was unvetted. It's my right to know everything about the person who had access to me while I was unconscious."

Raffaele laughed. "I'm only teasing."

"Don't tell me you've already started seeing her as a friend," I said. "You've only known her for four days."

He held up both hands in surrender. "Relax. Reign's a sweet girl. If she were anything else, I would've noticed from the first day."

"You really are a smooth talker."

"I've been told."

Silence settled between us for a few moments before Raffaele stood. "Now that you're discharged, you should return to New York soon."

"I know."

I walked toward the window overlooking the sea. "I'd rather let things grow tense among the board members first. People reveal themselves when they think no one's watching."

"You want to know who's loyal?"

"And who's ready to betray me."

A slow smile crossed Raffaele's face. "I almost feel sorry for them."

"You shouldn't."

He slipped his hands into his pockets. "I'll be leaving this evening. I've got business overseas, and the new Ferrara collection is being unveiled next month. The exhibition won't organize itself."

I gave a slight nod. "Safe travels."

He headed toward the door before glancing back. "And Giovanni?"

"Hm?"

"Try not to work yourself back into a hospital bed."

The corner of my mouth lifted ever so slightly. "Ci provo." I'll try.

With that, he left.

After he was gone, I took a cold shower before making my way to the study. The room was quiet, lit only by the late afternoon sun filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Resting neatly at the center of my mahogany desk was a slim black file.

I walked over to the minibar, poured myself a glass of brandy, then settled into my chair and opened the file.

Dr. Reign Carter. Twenty-four years old. General surgeon. Westridge Medical Institute. Top of her graduating class. Multiple academic awards. No disciplinary record. No criminal record. No scandals.

I turned the page.

Parents: Salvatore Carter and Emilia Carter. Both deceased. Guardian: Rose Carter. Current residence: New York City.

My gaze continued downward, then stopped.

Outstanding Carter Estate Debt: Approximately $4.6 million. Foreclosure proceedings initiated. Thirty days remaining before seizure of the Carter Farm and Palazzo.

I swirled the amber liquid inside my glass. So that was the burden she carried. Interesting. Not once during her stay had she mentioned money. She never hinted at needing help, never tried to use my identity for personal gain. She'd treated me exactly as she would any other patient. Professionally and annoyingly stubborn.

A faint knock sounded against the door.

"Avanti." Come in.

Sebastian stepped inside. "Capo, l'elicottero sarà pronto domani mattina." Boss, the chopper will be ready tomorrow morning.

I closed the file. "Good."

He hesitated. "Is there anything else?"

I looked once more at the name printed on the cover before shutting it completely. "No."

Sebastian nodded and quietly left. The study fell silent again.

My fingers rested on the file for another moment before I slid it into the drawer and locked it away.

For reasons I couldn't explain, the image of a red-haired surgeon with emerald-green eyes refused to leave my mind.