“I would have helped her if she had come to me,” Alexandros said suddenly, and Mark and Alexandra turned to stare at him.
He stared back at them. “I honestly would have,” he added. “I’m not a monster. I didn’t want anyone to know about my son being unfaithful to his wife, but I wouldn’t let her mother die helpless. I would have given them the money to take care of things,” he said and stared at them, asking them to believe him.
"I’m sure you would have,” Alexandra said and touched his arm.
A tear slid down his face. “Thank you,” he said and covered her hand with his. “It means a lot to me coming from you. You and Mark are all I have left in this world.”
“We’re here,” Mark said. “I just wish Maria had a chance with you.”
“How on earth did she end up with George?” Alexandra asked, puzzled.
“He found out about her past and approached her, pretending to be in love with her and wanting to help her take revenge,” Mark explained.
“I hope they put him away for a long time,” Alexandra said.
“They probably will,” Mark replied. “Especially now, that Katia has agreed to testify against him.”
Alexandra glanced at him, confused.
“There have been several attempts on Katia’s life, as well,” Mark explained.
“So this is why her sister accused her of being in love with someone who is trying to kill her,” Alexandra suddenly realized outloud.
“Yes,” Mark agreed. “Jessica didn’t trust him from the start, but Katia wouldn’t listen. She was desperately in love with him. However, it seems that George wanted to get rid of her and enjoy her money on his own.”
“Maybe not on his own,” Alexandra said skeptically.
“If you are thinking about Maria, I believe you’re wrong,” Mark said. “I don’t think he loved her. He was just using her to gain more money and power. If he could get Alexandros and you out of the way, he could marry Maria and get his hands on Alexandros’ money as well… Now wait a minute…” he added, looking at Alexandra puzzled. “How did you know that Jessica accused Katia of being in love with someone who was trying to kill her?” he inquired as he just remembered that this whole conversation had taken place in Greek.
Alexandros looked at her puzzled, as well.
Alexandra giggled, looking back at them.
“You little witch!” Mark accused her, laughingly. “You speak Greek, and you’ve been lying to us all along.”
“Look who’s talking about lying,” she retorted, and the smile faded on Mark’s face.
“I’m sorry but I had to,” he apologized.
“It was my fault,” Alexandros cut in. “I was the one who asked Mark not to tell you the truth. I was afraid that if you found out I wanted to meet with you, you wouldn’t have come.”
“You’re right,” Alexandra admitted. “I wouldn’t have.”
“But why? What did Anastasia tell you to make you hate me so much?” he asked, sadly.
“She didn’t tell me anything,” Alexandra replied. “I knew she had some problems with you, but she would never explain. Besides, I was just a child. She probably thought that I wouldn’t understand.”
“Then why would you keep your identity a secret and avoid me like this?” he asked, puzzled.
“I had promised my father…”
“I don’t understand,” Alexandros admitted.
“My father was afraid that if my identity as the granddaughter of a billionaire became known, I would be in danger—especially without the protection someone in that position would have.”
Alexandros was left speechless for a moment. “He was right,” he admitted after a while. “It sounds like your father was a wise man. I wish I had the chance to meet him,” he admitted, living Alexandra speechless this time.
They all remained silent, lost in their thoughts for a while until Martha walked into the room to ask them if they wanted anything else.
“I still don’t understand,” Alexandra said after Martha left. “If George was smart, he could have staged an accident to get rid of his wife. This way, he would have been able to enjoy her fortune and nobody would probably be able to prove anything.”
“Yes, but he was greedy,” Alexandros pointed out. “And besides, he would still have to worry about Mark.”
“What about Mark?” Alexandra asked puzzled.
“Mark was a problem for George anyway,” Alexandros said, and Alexandra stared at him inquiringly.
“What do you mean?” she asked her grandfather, puzzled, but Martha interrupted them again, walking into the room to tell Alexandros he had a phone call.
“What did he mean?” Alexandra turned to Mark as soon as Alexandros left the room.
“He’ll have to explain that himself,” Mark replied and stood up. “Excuse me for a second but I have to call the office,” he added and left, as well.
***
A few minutes later, Alexandros walked back into the room.
“It was Marcos,” he said. “He told me about Jonathan.”
“What about Jonathan?” Alexandra asked.
“He’s going to trial for killing Penelope,” Alexandros said.
“I still can’t figure out why kill her?” Alexandra asked, puzzled.
“Penelope wasn’t the loving grandmother she seemed to be,” Alexandros said. “She had figured out that I was going to divorce her, and she was blackmailing Jonathan, trying to force him to marry you so that he can inherit my fortune.”
“Marry me?” Alexandra asked, stunned, and turned to look at Mark, who had just come back inside the room.
“Yes,” Alexandros said. “She was pushing him into marrying you, but you see Jonathan was in love with Maria.”
“Maria?” Alexandra asked surprised.
“Yes,” Alexandros confirmed. “He was trying to gain her affection when he found out about her and George. Then, he wanted revenge.”
“So that’s why he turned them in,” Alexandra said and finally started putting the pieces of the puzzle in their right places. “But there’s still something that baffles me,” she said and glanced over at Mark. “Something Katia said the other day…”
Mark looked at her straight in the eyes but kept silent. Then he glanced over at Alexandros.
“Let’s take a walk, Alexandra,” Alexandros said and stood up.
Alexandra rose and followed him to the glass doors leading to the garden.
“Why don’t you join us?” Alexandros turned to Mark, who was still sitting at the table.
Mark pushed to his feet and followed them outside. Only after they were far away from the house, Alexandros started speaking…
***
Alexandra was deliriously happy, locked in Mark’s arms. The darkness of the night surrounded them as they stood on the enchanting beach. She couldn’t believe that all the shadows of the past had disappeared, and she could finally be with the man she loved.
She thought of her grandfather and smiled. She still felt a little shocked to have learned that Mark wasn’t the son of Gregory Taylor, son of Alexandros’ sister. Gregory’s wife had been in love with Peter Dourakis, the older son of Constantinos and Nicholas’ brother, and Mark was Peter’s illegitimate son.
“I still can’t believe you’re the grandson of Constantinos Dourakis,” she said and caressed his hair lovingly.
“I know,” Mark said. “It was a shock for me, too, when I first found out about it, ten years ago. I had learned to hate the Dourakis family all my life and, finally, to learn that I was one of them…”
“Oh, darling,” she said. “And I feel sorry for that poor girl, Jessica.”
Mark glanced at her and brought her hand to his mouth to kiss it. “I know,” he said. “But believe me, she’ll get over it. Jessica is selfish, and she’ll soon find someone else.”
Alexandra looked at him. “I know how she feels,” she said. “I felt the same way when I thought you were my cousin.”
“I k
now, and I’m so sorry about that,” he said. “But I couldn’t do anything about it. I had promised Alexandros to keep it a secret.”
Alexandra drew a deep breath and let it out slowly. “So many lives wasted, and all that for money. That’s why George hated you so much,” she added after a moment and shivered, remembering Alexandros’ words. He had explained to her that George had found out Mark was the son of Constantinos’ first-born son, Peter, who had inherited the largest part of the Dourakis fortune. Katia—George’s wife—and her sister, Jessica, would have to share a smaller portion, being the daughters of Constantinos’ second-born son, Nicholas, who wasn’t on good terms with his father.”
“Well, I’m not sure there would be any money left after a while,” Mark said. “You see, Contantinos died a long time ago and, after a while, Peter died, as well. They were the ones keeping the business going. Nicholas, Katia, and Jessica knew nothing about business, and George was worthless. So after Peter’s death, everything started falling apart.”
“You have to take care of things,” Alexandra said. “If nothing else, at least make sure that there’s something saved for Katia and Jessica.”
Mark smiled and caressed her cheek. “My sweet darling,” he said tenderly, “always thinking about the others. I love you so much,” he whispered and pulled her in his arms. He couldn’t believe they were to be married. This was a dream come true.
Epilogue
ON THE ISLAND OF SANTORINI, a beautiful day bloomed in late August. Alexandra sat by the pool in the backyard of the Vassiliou mansion, enjoying the warm caress of the bright sunlight and the magnificent view of the sea. She lay back and closed her eyes, feeling happy and peaceful. The nightmare was finally over.
John and his partner, with the unseen help of her grandfather’s connections, had managed to solve Angelica Parker’s case, bring her father’s assassins to justice, and clear his name.
Jonathan Lambrou was facing trial for the murders of Helena Taylor and his grandmother, Penelope Vassiliou. Maria’s diary was incriminating, but Maria hadn’t stopped at that. She’d been videotaping everything taking place in the mansion for the last eight years she’d been working there. Jonathan had confessed to the murders, and, in a desperate attempt to get a lighter sentence, he gave the police information on the money-laundering and blackmailing gang that was after him for his gambling debts.
George Ioannou was also sentenced to jail for the murders of the people on the yacht, as the police were able to finally arrest the individuals paid to place the explosives, and the criminals identified George as the one ordering the hit. Besides, his wife Katia agreed to testify against him for the attempts on her life.
Alexandra shivered as she remembered everything that had taken place the last few months. Despite the craziness, once everything had calmed, she and Mark had been able to fly back to Atlanta to attend the wedding of John and Holly.
While in Atlanta, Alexandra turned in her resignation; after her wedding, she was moving to New York to work for the Imperial Resorts Corporation. She looked forward to it and, at the same time, was really excited that Holly was promoted to her position at Guarantee Insurance.
Alexandros and Mark had also reached to an agreement with Nicholas Dourakis for Imperial Resorts Corporation to take over a large percentage, as well as the management of, the Dourakis Company. This way, Nicholas, Katia, and Jessica were saved from bankruptcy, and their family business would be turned into a profitable company again.
***
Happy voices and commotion coming from inside the mansion drew Alexandra from her trip down memory lane.
Finally! she thought, excited, and jumped out of her lounge chair to welcome John and Holly, who were spending their honeymoon on Santorini—compliments of Alexandros.
“Welcome! Welcome!” she yelled, rushing into John’s and Holly’s arms. “I can’t believe you guys are finally here!”
“We wouldn’t miss this for the world,” John replied, squeezing her tenderly.
“Yes,” Holly agreed. “We couldn’t miss your wedding! Not to mention, this is the best honeymoon anyone could dream of.”
“It’s a beautiful island, isn’t it?” Alexandra said.
“Breathtaking!” John and Holly said at the same time. “The view of the volcano from our hotel is an unbelievable experience. This must be the most erotic place in the world,” John added, looking at his wife adoringly.
“This is Martha,” Alexandra introduced the housekeeper, who was standing aside, watching them happily, and walked over to put her arm around the old lady’s shoulders. “Martha is family. She was here when my mom was growing up,” she added, and felt a lump in her throat.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Martha said. “Alexandra loves both of you so much.”
“We’re happy to meet you, Martha,” John said.
“Yes,” Holly added, “we’ve heard so much about you.”
“Let’s go sit by the pool,” Alexandra said and led them through the glass doors leading to the backyard.
As soon as they stepped outside, she saw Mark, Alexandros, and Michael coming back from the beach.
“They’re here!” she yelled happily to them and ran right into Mark’s arms.
He held her, squeezing her adoringly, “I’m so happy to see you like this,” he whispered. “I love you so much and can’t wait to make you my wife.”
The End
Note from the Author
The Greek Isles Series
The Greek islands—alluring destinations that cast a spell on the visitor from the very first moment—are among my favorite settings. I have written a whole series of standalone mystery romance novels—The Greek Isles Series—each taking place on a different island.
In this series, dark mysteries mingle with sizzling romances, while the reader enjoys the virtual experience of visiting some of the most enchanting Greek islands. The impeccable beauty of those islands— where nature exists lavishly in hundred shades of green and blue, and centuries of Greek tradition coexist harmoniously with cosmopolitan activity—will steal the reader’s heart away.
Award-winning, bestseller Spellbound in His Arms is the first novel published in The Greek Isles Series. In this suspenseful tale of murder, deceit, and political cover-up, sexy investigative reporter Jackie ignites the fury and stirs the passion of mysterious police detective Michael. The action unfolds on majestic Corfu in the dazzling aquamarine waters of the Ionian Sea.
Bestseller Deadly Secrets is the second novel published in The Greek Isles Series. Stunning Helena and seductive Captain Dimitris confront each other—and make sparks—in this suspenseful tale of murder, deceit, embezzlement, and treachery. The action unfolds on picturesque Mykonos— one of the most beautiful islands in the sparkling sapphire waters of the Aegean Sea—and is supported by a steamy story of forbidden love.
The Heiress of Santorini is the third novel published in The Greek Isles Series. The startling truth about her billionaire client drives breathtaking insurance manager Alexandra over the edge but cannot quell her desire for sinfully handsome and off-limits Mark. This tale of non-stop action, suspense, deceit, and murder unfolds in Atlanta, New York, and on the awe-inspiring island of Santorini—a precious gem in the Aegean Sea that is still an active volcano with spectacular rock formations, impressive lunar landscapes, and breathtaking red and black sand beaches.
Dark Shadows of The Past is the fourth novel in The Greek Isles Series. Dazzling Christina is caught in a deadly game of conspiracy, murder, treachery, and vengeance while desperately trying to conceal her real identity. Seductively handsome police detective Dan puts his job and life on the line to protect this feisty enchantress from the threat hovering over her. The non-stop action and steamy romance unfolds in Atlanta, the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northern Georgia, and the island of Cephalonia—the fascinating setting of “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” in the amazing aquamarine waters of the Ionian Sea. Dark Shadows of The Past will be available Winter 2015.
Website: AngelSefer.com
Let the allure of romance and mystery take you to an enchanting destination…
Also by Angel Sefer
Spellbound in His Arms (Mystery) Reporter Jackie Alexander and Detective Michael Apostolou are forced to work together to investigate the mysterious deaths of the heirs to the incredible fortune of Greek tycoon Andreas Demiris, but their suspicions and unanswered questions are devouring them, just like their rising passion for each other.
Deadly Secrets (Mystery) Helena was only eight when her father disappeared, and her life was shattered. Thirteen years later, she returns to her birthplace—the Greek island of Mykonos—on a quest to learn the truth about her father.
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Angel Sefer, The Heiress of Santorini
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