“Which means he could know about the extent of the wealth to be gained from the Sereno natural gas field.”

“He’s well aware of our findings,” Cassie said. “My father and I asked him for recommendations of which companies to solicit bids from for drilling rights.”

“Then he could be involved.”

“I can’t believe my own family would try to have me killed.” Cassie’s certainty hung in her words. “Crispan may be living in the US, but he is loyal to Sereno. He even suggested we consider several European companies rather than those from the US. Besides, what would he have to gain? My uncle and cousins benefit from their association with the royals. If something happened to my family, they would lose their positions.”

“Unless they found a way to gain either power or wealth another way.” Levi grabbed another notepad and slid it in front of her. “I need a lesson on your extended family. I want you to tell me everything about your uncle and cousins. Where they went to school, what their royal duties are, who they’re close to, everything.”

“This is going to take all night.”

“Probably.” Levi leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “Might as well get started.”

CHAPTER 8

A morning swim with no paparazzi anywhere to be found. Cassie was certain she had died and gone to heaven. She stroked through the water and came to a stop at the side of the pool.

“You look like you’re enjoying yourself.” Levi set a tray on a wrought-iron table and picked up a thick towel from a lounge chair. “Ready for breakfast?”

“I am.” She looked up at the blue sky. “What a gorgeous day.”

“It is.” Levi opened the towel and held it for her.

Cassie walked up the pool steps and took the towel. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Levi remained standing until Cassie dried off and wrapped the towel around herself. After she sat on the chaise, he took the seat beside her and handed her a plate. “Patrice made blueberry scones this morning.”

“That sounds good.” Cassie lifted the cloth that covered the bread basket and selected a scone. She noted the fresh berries and sliced cantaloupe. “She sent fruit too.”

“Patrice is a firm believer that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” Levi poured them each a glass of orange juice.

“Did you get any sleep last night?” Cassie asked. After talking about her mother’s side of the family until eleven o’clock last night, she wasn’t sure if Levi had stayed up later to keep digging into their backgrounds or if he had chosen sleep over work.

“I only stayed up another hour after I left your suite.” Levi loaded up his plate. “I did want to ask about your cousin Crispan. You said he was involved in helping you identify potential oil companies to partner with.”

“That’s right.”

“Do you think he had any help creating that list?”

“I don’t know. I suppose it’s possible,” Cassie said. “Why?”