“Yes,” I said. “I know.”
“But unlike me, you still insist on obeying every order that woman gives,” he said, his gaze turning sharp. “How long are you going to keep doing that, Enrico? How long are you going to accept everything Eloá imposes just because she demands it?”
My jaw tightened. Irritation rose like acid.
“She’s our grandmother. She deserves respect.”
Matteo laughed without humor, contempt obvious.
“Respect—or fear? Sometimes I don’t think you even know the difference anymore.”
“Are you sure you’re talking about me, Matteo?” I said coldly. “Or are you really talking about yourself? Last time I checked, you were the brother who couldn’t tell the difference between a lot of things. Like freedom and ingratitude.”
Matteo laughed again and pressed the tip of his tongue briefly against his upper lip.
“You remember what it’s like?” he asked, eyes intense.
“What?” I muttered, already knowing I wasn’t going to like whatever was about to come out of his mouth.
“Being free, Enrico,” he said, holding my gaze. “Do you remember? Because I remember a time when you were. Not just free—happy too.”
I didn’t need him to spell out which time he meant.
Before I could respond, Eloá’s voice cut through the space—soft, sharp, and final.
“Matteo. Could you at least pretend you’re not arguing with your brother in the middle of my party? People are watching.”
Matteo raised his hands, smiling cynically at her as he stepped away.
“Of course, Nonna. I wouldn’t want to ruin your perfect party,” he said with pure irony—then disappeared into the crowd.
Eloá inhaled, displeased, and turned her gaze on me.
“You need to keep your brothers under control, Enrico. Especially Matteo. He’s always been too rebellious.”
“It’s not my responsibility to manage them,” I replied flatly.
She lifted her chin, holding my eyes with absolute certainty.
“Of course it is. You’re the oldest. You’re the heir. That has always been—and will always be—your responsibility, whether you like it or not.”
And without leaving room for response, she walked away again.
Leaving me there, alone, and furious.
“Good to see this party is the same circus it always is,” André’s voice appeared at my side again.
I exhaled.
“Don’t you have anyone else to torture?” I muttered. “You have two other brothers too.”
“Talking to them isn’t as fun as talking to you,” he said with a half-smile. “But actually, I came to give you a little relief. I wasgoing to bring up work, but if you want, I can leave. We can save it for tomorrow—business hours.”
“Say it, André,” I demanded through my teeth.
His smile widened.
“Dreamland,” he said—and that single word pulled a long exhale out of me.
