Peter explains, “David’s been in charge of this part of the business in the recent years. In fact, he had an argument with Areen on the pricing for the last two lots. He wanted a further discount but Areen adamantly refused. David deliberately delayed the payments to prove a point to him.”

“Fucking hell!” My lips curl. “David knew how dangerous these people are and yet...” I shake my head. Could be these people behind the car accidents? I make a mental note to tell Mike to look into this.

I take a deep breath. “Pay him up and all those like him whom we are yet to pay and close all our business with people like them. I want to see a closure on all such payments by this time next week.”

Both of them trade a look.

Peter clears his throat. “Your Grace...”

But I don’t give him a chance to speak.

“I don’t care how my father and brother operated things around here before me, but from now on Annette & Co. will only deal with legitimate entities. I will not use my money to support war and deprivation in any country.”

I address Peter, “Get out of this illegal trade at once. My father and brother grew this jewelry business on the backs of illicit dealings with smugglers, kingpins and rogue politicians of conflict states. But now, I’m going to put a stop to it all once and for all. Annette & Co. is going completely legit henceforth.”

Lydia bobs her head and gives me a smile while Peter looks like he swallowed a nail. His mouth opens and closes but no sound comes out. Handling the illegal side of this business has been one of his main duties for a long time now. My father made him the direct point of contact for all such sales, thereby keeping his own name out of these deals. In case of any exposure, Peter would’ve been the fall guy.

It’s a risk that Peter Dighby has willingly taken because he’s been paid generously for it. He has a house in Hampstead, membership to several clubs, private schooling for his daughter, etc. The perks have been plenty and so far, he has diligently managed to keep everything under wraps. He can continue with the perks; I don’t care about any of that. I just want my business clear of anything even remotely unlawful.

My lips twist as I think of my father ranting in hell at my decision. With that, we close the meeting. Peter is still looking perturbed so I change the topic to one that would surely get his attention and ease his mind.

“Peter, how is Josephine? Is she doing fine?”