ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON 14

Episode 143

" I saw what you did. "

Josephine stood altogether too close to Ned Barker in the ,  outside of them , vacant and darkened hallway leading to the kitchen of the vast Volkouv estate.

Ned bristled sharply before her although his face remained impassive in the presence of her cold words and mocking plain face.

" I do not understand your words, Miss Petrova. Please kindly move so I may pass through. I am going to the hospital to take the prince some proper clothes and his toiletries."

Josephine repeated herself," I saw what you did. "

" And , what is it that you claim you saw ? "

She hissed softly," I saw you fiddling with the prince's car before he left with the butler. I was watching you the entire time. I took pictures. I hid the pictures. You'll never find them. "

Ned laughed harshly. He should kill her now. Right there. Just choke her to death with his bare hands. Except it was messy. Too messy and complicated. What if she screamed and alerted others? What if she, who looked very strong and too capable, fought him back? And , what if she really did have pictures that people found......

He said coldly," What exactly do you want from me? '

Josephine smiled coolly. " Your assistance. I don't think it will inconvenience you much either. I shall overlook your little part in the silly prince's accident if you help me separate Maxim Volkouv from his most inappropriate wife Natasha. In others words seduce Natasha Volkouva. "

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" Alaric , Cedric is doing well," Nicholas said over the phone from his study as he sat behind his desk going over stadium related details on the computer before him. " He should be released very shortly from the hospital. I do apologize for what happened to him while I was hosting his current visit to us. I completely understand if you wish him to return home. "

King Alaric replied swiftly," I accept your apology, my friend, but it is hardly necessary. My son is most likely at  fault in this accident. He drives altogether too fast even on Eldermere roadways but to speed in a country he is not used to ! Highly irresponsible of him. Do you understand my despair of him , Nick? And , no , I do not wish him to return home. There is still too much.... discussion of his.... latest actions here at home. "

Nicholas sat back in his chair and thought hard. " I understand from my butler Saunders who was in the car with him that the prince seemed to be quite a careful driver that night. I have had the car towed to a reputable garage here to investigate it. It is quite possible it was a mechanical failure or some such thing. I'm just glad it was not worse. The prince nor my butler were not greatly injured or worse nor was any one else on the street. In fact the prince deliberately swerved according to Saunders to prevent injury to anyone else. "

" All of that pleases me and his mother as well. Your butler....., I'm aware he was injured as well. Please shift any of his medical expenses to my people here. I do not understand exactly why he was accompanying my son instead of Ned Barker but I shall discuss this with Ned and duely reprimand the man. Although I understand how trying my son can be to his valet. "

Nicholas said firmly," That will  not be necessary, Al. I offer my employees a very good health insurance plan in the states here. Saunders is well looked after. The man is very stubborn however. Even with a broken arm he insists on remaining on duty at the house. "

Alaric laughed heartily. " I love such loyalty in an employee. It's why I cannot be as upset with young Ned. Barker is incredibly loyal to both the family and the country. As was his father and grandfather before him. As for your Saunders..... do tread carefully, old friend, or I shall poach him for the castle here. Reynolds is getting up in age and really needs retired to a cottage in the countryside. "