They’ve always been suckers for me.
I head back through the house toward his office, my footsteps echoing in the quiet hallways.
But as I get closer, I hear voices drifting from behind his partially closed door.
Male voices, urgent and tense.
I shouldn’t eavesdrop—I know that—but after being shut out of every conversation today, I’m really past caring about should and shouldn’t.
I move quietly down the hallway until I can make out words.
“—damage control is going to be nearly impossible if—” That’s Antonio, Dad’s most trusted consigliere.
“I know the risks.” Dad’s voice, tight with strain. “But we can’t control what’s already out there.”
“The question is what Bianca needs to know.” Bella’s voice now, quieter but still audible. “And when.”
What Bianca needs to know.
My stomach drops.
They are keeping something from me.
Something specific and significant enough that they’re having strategy sessions about whether to tell me.
“She’s going to find out eventually,” Antonio says. “Better it comes from you than from some reporter digging through the files.”
“Find out what?” Bella asks, and there’s something in her voice that sounds almost…afraid. “No, Matteo.No.”
“The files don’t just contain financial records and murder evidence,” Dad says slowly. “There’s personal information. About Giuseppe and Sophia. About…what happened between them.”
A long silence follows, and I find myself holding my breath.
“Jesus,” Bella whispers. “How detailed?”
“Detailed enough.” Dad’s voice is weary, as if the weight of the entire world is on his shoulders. “Detailed enough that anyone who reads them will understand what Giuseppe was and what he did to her.”
What he did to her.
My ears are ringing.
What he did to her.
Not what happened between them—whathedid toher. Like she didn’t have a choice. Like?—
“Matteo,” Antonio says carefully, “if this comes out, it changes everything. Not just for the family’s reputation, but for Bianca specifically. People are going to do the math.”
Do the math. What math? What are theytalkingabout?
“I know.” Dad sounds exhausted suddenly, older than I’ve ever heard him. “I’ve been dreading this moment for nineteen years.”
Nineteen years. My entire life.
“Maybe it’s time,” Bella says softly. “Maybe she deserves to know the truth.”
The truth aboutwhat?
I can’t take it anymore.
