Chapter Ten: A Plan To Contact Diane's Father
"If you really want to get in contact with your father," he said casually, "I can help. You don't need Gabriel for that."
Diane turned to him. "How?"
Riot smilee, then leaned forward with a casual confidence that made her heart skip a beat.
"Let's just say I've done more than bodyguard work. I used to be a secret agent."
She blinked, caught off guard. "A secret agent?"
"Mm-hmm," Riot confirmed, crossing his arms. "I've got connections—people who can get me information, set up meetings, or make things happen."
Diane frowned a little.
"That's impressive, but my father isn't someone who responds to simple emails or calls. It has to be something... big. Something with authority. That's why I was considering using Gabriel."
Riot scoffed.
"Leave it to me. You don't need your husband's name to get his attention. Trust me, princess."
She narrowed her eyes. "Stop calling me that."
Riot raised his hands, pretending to surrender again.
"Whatever you say, boss. But I mean it. Let me handle it. I'll make sure you get a response from your father."
For a moment, Diane hesitated, looking at him.
His confidence wasn't just arrogance—it was rooted in something real.
Slowly, she nodded. "Fine. But I'm holding you to that."
When they arrived back at the house, Riot wasted no time.
He set up his laptop on the dining table, pulling out what looked like a mini arsenal of tech gadgets and organising them carefully.
Diane decided to watch as he worked.
He was so focused that made her feel like she was in the presence of someone who truly knew what he was doing.
"I'll need some time," Riot said without looking up.
"This isn't a quick job. I need to dig through my contacts, figure out the best way to get to your father, and make it happen without drawing unwanted attention."
"Take whatever time you need," Diane said. "I'll make some tea."
She left him to his work and headed to the kitchen.
As the kettle boiled, she took a moment to reflect.
Riot was unconventional—arrogant, blunt, and far too confident—but he was capable.
More importantly, he wasn't tied to Gabriel, Adrian, or anyone else in her past.
Diane felt like she had someone on her side who wasn't trying to manipulate or use her.
Carrying two cups of tea back to the table, she set one down in front of Riot, who gave her a brief nod of thanks before returning to his laptop.
"You've been at this for twenty minutes," Diane said with a small smile, "and you already look like you're plotting an international heist."
Riot glanced up at her.
"Well, your father isn't exactly an easy man to reach. But I think I've got a lead."
He turned the laptop toward her, showing her a profile on the screen.
It was a contact Riot clearly trusted—a former associate with ties to the kind of circles her father was in.
"This guy owes me a favor," Riot explained.
"Favour?"
"He's got access to people who can arrange a direct line to your father. It's not instant, but it's reliable. If I push the right buttons, we'll have your father's attention within a week."
Diane's lips curled into a smile, she brushed her fingers against the edge of the table as she leaned closer.
"That's... incredible. You're really good at this."
"I'm good at everything," Riot replied.
Diane shook her head, laughing softly. "Modest, too."
"You're lucky you picked me."
"Thank you," she said quietly.
"Don't mention it."
Before either of them could say more, the sound of the front door opening broke the moment.
Diane straightened quickly, and Riot leaned back in his chair, bringing back his smirk just as Gabriel stepped into the room.
Gabriel looked over the scene, taking in the cups of tea, the laptop, and most importantly, Diane's hand was resting lightly on the edge of Riot's chair.
"What's going on here?" Gabriel asked.
Diane turned to him, her smile looked polite but strained.
"Riot's helping me with something."
"With what, exactly?" Gabriel asked, turning to Riot, who remained silent but watchful.
"Something personal," Diane replied firmly. "It's nothing for you to worry about."
Gabriel's jaw tightened, he narrowed his eyes slightly as he glanced between them.
"You seem... very comfortable with him."
Diane raised an eyebrow. "He's my bodyguard. It's his job to make me feel safe."
Gabriel didn't respond immediately.
Instead, he turned to Riot.
"I hope you're keeping this professional."
"Always."
"Good. Because if I find out otherwise..."
"Gabriel," Diane interrupted him sharply. "That's enough. Riot is here because I hired him. You don't have to like it, but you will respect it."
For a moment, Gabriel looked as though he might argue, but then he simply nodded.
"Fine," he said stiffly. "Just don't forget who you're married to."
Gabriel turned around and left them.
"Well, that was fun," Riot said dryly.
Diane gave him a look. "You didn't make it any easier."
"I wasn't trying to," Riot replied with a shrug. "But if it makes you feel better, he doesn't scare me."
"He doesn't have to scare you, Riot...he's my husband."
"I get that," Riot nodded. "But what is he doing here?"
Diane flinched at the question. He was right, what was Gabriel doing here?
In her previous life, Gabriel wouldn't even dare to look at her or sit in the same space for longer than a minute.
'Why are you here?' She thought silently.
He gave her this house, just so he could probably live in peace without her, 'so why did you come?'