Chapter 62

“You’ve recorded our entire conversation, haven’t you?” she asked. “Did I ever say what type of apology I was seeking?” “A s-sincere apology…,” he replied. Scarlett smiled with satisfaction. “Did you hear that, Carlo? You didn’t think a cursory bow of your head would count as an apology, did you? Listen closely. Sincerity always involves sacrifice.” Lucia could hear Randolph mutter, “What kind of logic is that?” As she watched a delighted Scarlett drive her opponent into a corner, Lucia remembered what Rudy had once told her about people who used this approach. They’re scammers, he’d said. “You’re quarreling over trifles!” Carlo spat back. “Sincerity, you say? That’s just semantics! Anyone with common sense can see you’re the one spouting nonsense!” “Common sense?” The girl with the deceptively harmless-looking face tilted her head like she was deeply perplexed. “What matters in a place like this isn’t common sense; it’s rules! And with all due respect, I haven’t broken a single one of the rules that you gentlemen established.” Her green eyes narrowed slyly. “If you don’t want to give up that useless little boat of yours, then how about ripping off those tasteless clothes you’re wearing? That is, if you’re prepared for your scrawny old body to become the laughingstock of the island. Well? Which do you prefer? Out of consideration for the bravery you displayed in picking a fight with me, I will allow you to choose.” Carlo retreated a step. Lucia could see he was unnerved. As he stood there frozen and pale, Scarlett raised her eyebrows crossly. “If you won’t speak up, I’ll take both!” “—The gondola! Take the gondola!” Scarlett grinned. “You wrote that down, I hope?” she said imperiously to the clerk. The poor clerk yelped. The judge, looking exhausted, announced that the trial was over, and he banged his gavel. When Scarlett returned, she looked Lucia in the eye and smiled her most brilliant smile. “Remember this, Lucia. Proper ladies crush idiots like that so mercilessly, they’d never dream of interfering with us again.”