Love in the Limelight novel Chapter 550

Lucas Woodrow furrowed his brow as he leaned across the rustic kitchen table, his voice a hushed whisper, "I've been sleuthing around Jay's shady dealings for years now. These are the goods my informant passed on to me—solid evidence of his smuggling antics."

"Informant?" Astrid couldn't help but quirk an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in her tone. "You've got an informant? And you're sure these aren't just tall tales?"

"As sure as the sky is blue," Lucas asserted with a nod. "The guy's name is Julian. His folks got done in by Jay's dirty work, and he's itching for payback. Doubt he'd fabricate anything that could jeopardize nailing Jay to the wall." He paused, a flicker of concern crossing his face. "Julian's playing the inside man now, working as Jay's assistant. He's in a prime position to help us out big time."

"Julian?" Astrid's forehead creased with a familiar twinge.

Catching on to her puzzled look, Lucas quickly fished out a photo of Julian, "Do you know this guy?"

Astrid glanced at the smartphone screen and her eyes widened. The man in the photo had changed up his style, dyed his hair, donned glasses, and even altered his skin tone with makeup, but she recognized him instantly.

Julian? That's Nate, isn't it?

The pieces clicked together in her mind—Nate's nickname was Julie, which Jon had always teased him about, saying it sounded awfully like a lady's name.

Jon had mentioned Nate going off on some vendetta. And now, lo and behold, the guy had infiltrated Jay's operation in disguise.

She could only imagine Nate surreptitiously slipping a little something extra into Jay's meals, sending him on frequent hospital visits.

"Astrid, cat got your tongue? Do you know this person?" Lucas prodded again.

Nodding, Astrid reassured him, "I know him. He's trustworthy."

"That's a load off," Lucas smiled, then turned to Elio, "Uncle, I've been laying low here recently. Hope my troubles haven't spilled over to you."

Astrid nodded, "I did hear about their little adventure."

Amanda chimed in with a playful scoff, "Some folks could learn a thing or two about romance. I mean, picking a scenic spot to tie the knot is so dreamy, yet there are those who can't even muster a decent lovey-dovey line."

Lucas nearly chuckled but managed to stifle it.

Elio turned to Astrid, his voice soft yet firm, "No need for all that fuss. Because no matter where we'd say 'I do,' there's not a chance I'd ever think of divorce."

Astrid raised an eyebrow, "That confident, huh?"

Elio offered her a half-smile, "Why not? We could always get hitched and see."