“It has been a long time, Mama. It will be very difficult. And I have clearly shown that I amnotweak.”
Masuyo smiled sadly. “I know it is a high bar I hold you to, my beautiful daughter.”
Steers bowed her head. “Of course. I expect nothing less.”
When her food came Masuyo asked Steers to sit with her while she ate. As she did so, Masuyo said, “The other men with Mr. Hope? Explain.”
“One is Rhett Temple. He is the CEO of Sybaritic, an American investment company. It is through his firm that I conduct some of the business.”
“And what will you do with him now?”
“He wishes to return to the United States. He will place one of my people as CEO of his company and then he wants to live off his quite large inheritance.”
“And will his plan work for you?” asked Masuyo.
“Yes, with some additional conditions attached.”
“And Mr. Hope?”
“I wish him to remain here. Along with the other man, Thura. As you know, he helped with your liberation.”
“And why do you wish Mr. Hope to remain here?”
“I want him and Thura to beyourbodyguards.”
Her mother sipped her tea and pursed her lips. “You do not already have enough bodyguards for me?”
“Hope is exceptional. You saw that for yourself.”
“Am I wrong in thinking that you already have exceptional protection?”
“Hope is different.”
“Tell me how he is different.”
Steers frowned at the woman’s obvious persistence. “Is it important?”
“I do not have enough information to answer your question.”
“I. . .he is an interesting person. An enigma. I have yet to. . .figure him out. I wish him to remain here while I do so.”
Masuyo ran her gaze over her daughter. “All right, Victoria. We will leave it there for now. But does he know you wish him to remain?”
Steers looked toward the doorway. “He will know soon enough.”
“And if he does not wish to remain here?”
“He does not have a choice, Mama.”
Masuyo gazed sternly at her daughter. “Are you sure thatyouhave a choice in the action you are taking with this man?”
Steers averted her gaze. “I do not know what you mean.”
Her look flinty, Masuyo said, “Your lies worked with many, your father included. But not with me, Victoria. Never with me.”
Steers rose and said, “I have business to attend to. We will talk tonight. Continue to rest, Mama.”
“I have had years to ‘rest,’ daughter. I require no more.”