Amethyst's Scandal

CHAPTER 9

Amethyst St. Clair's POV

Three days after I arrived here in Italy I finished the designs for the Italian princess custom-made jewelry set. Mr. Famiani and I were supposed to meet at the St. Regis Hotel again for the approval of the schemes I made but last minute the venue of our meeting changed into a more private setting.

I slid out of the taxi and stared at the imposing castle just outside Rome. So I was supposed to meet Mr. Famiani in this castle-like home.

I took a deep breath as I rang the doorbell. I straightened my outfit while waiting for the gate to open. There was a distinctive sound that I heard and the gate automatically opened. Feeling slightly nervous about this whole thing I just think if this commission is approved by our client after this meeting I can go back to New York.

Mr. Famiani was already waiting for me at the entrance door with a ready smile on his face. "Good to meet you again, Signorina St. Clair." He extended his hand in my direction.

"Hello, Mr. Famiani." I shook his hand briefly with a slight smile.

"This way please." He led me inside this fabulous house. I was in awe at the grandeur of the mansion inside. The private secretary of the current prince led me to the second floor of the mansion until we reached this certain door at the far end.

I gripped my handbag tightly preparing myself for this meeting. I hope that my designs should meet their expectation so I will be free from this job.

Mr. Famiani opened the door for me as I step inside the room. Why eyes widened when I saw a man standing near the window looking outside with his hands tucked in each pocket of his trousers. My heart thudded when I saw the familiarity of this stranger's back.

"Signorina St. Clair." Mr. Famiani started. "May I introduce to you, His Highness, Prince Francesco Calvetti? The man who hired your company to create jewelry for his mother."

No way! My mind rebelled. It took every ounce of my control not to hang my mouth open at him. This couldn't be happening to me. I could barely hear what the private secretary had been saying with the loud pounding of my chest.

Until now I was praying that I just misheard Mr. Famiani when he introduced his employer but when he slowly turns around all the hope inside me died. Sweet mother of God, I am in trouble.

"Leave us." He said to his private secretary who left quietly closing the door behind me while I was left staring at him. There was an unmistakable pleased smile on his face seeing my stunned reaction. "Fate took three days before we meet again, my love."

"Did you plan this?" I asked hastily as the fear sneaked inside me. How did this happen? Surely, Daniel doesn't have an idea about him, does he? No one in my family about the identity of Max's father I made sure not to tell anyone including my sisters. For them, he was this nameless, faceless guy I met somewhere. Certainly...

"Believe me," he said in his amused tone the smile on his face was still there trapping me with his gaze. "I just learned recently that Amy and the jewelry designer of the St. Clair Diamonds are the same. If I learned about this a long way before I didn't waste six years to find you."

I was lost for words I didn't know how I should continue after this. Prince Franco Calvetti the only person in Italy that I have been trying to avoid was the same man who hired the St. Clair Diamonds for this job.

"What? Cat got your tongue?" He prodded when I remained silent. I was too shocked by this sudden turn of events to say anything, to be honest. "I told you it would only take a matter of time before we meet again, my love."