"I've been waiting for you to know the truth. To be strong enough to fight." She glanced at Alessio. "Now you have someone to protect you while we do it."
We talked late into the night. Alessio eventually excused himself, giving us space.
Sofia showed me more photos. Told me about her life in hiding. Asked about mine. We cried more, laughed occasionally, and began stitching together the torn pieces.
I couldn't forgive her entirely. Not yet. Eighteen years didn't heal in one evening.
But I understood. And understanding was a start.
Near midnight, exhausted, we called it. Sofia hesitated at the door.
"Thank you," she said. "For coming. For listening. For not hating me."
"I did hate you. For a long time." I met her eyes. "I might still. I don't know. But I love you too. Those things can exist together."
She hugged me. "That's all I can ask."
Alessio joined me on the porch after she closed the door and pulled me against his chest.
"You okay?" he murmured.
"I don't know. Ask me tomorrow."
He kissed my temple. "Tomorrow."
CHAPTER 13
Alessio
In the morning, we returned to Sofia's. She ushered us into the kitchen, serving us coffee.
"There's something else you need to know," she said, settling across from us.
"W-what?" Valentina stammered.
Sofia looked at me before answering, "I didn't just survive these eighteen years. I've been building relationships with federal prosecutors and investigators across three agencies. They've been waiting for the right moment to move against Marco—waiting for evidence strong enough that he can't buy or intimidate his way out."
She pulled out a thick folder and set it on the table between us.
Sofia locked eyes with her daughter. "I've been coordinating with the FBI for six months. Since you ran from Richard, since Marco's operation started unraveling. They want to offer you full immunity in exchange for your testimony. Witness protection. Safety for you, Alessio, and anyone connected to your case."
"They can guarantee our safety?" Valentina asked. I could see hope and relief flare in her eyes.
"They can guarantee Marco goes to prison for the rest of his life if you testify about what you saw in Caldwell's office." Sofia's voice was quiet but certain.
"How can you be sure?" I interrupted.
"Combined with my eighteen years of evidence, Valentina's photographic memory puts the final nail in his coffin.
" Sofia turned back toward Valentina. "But I need to know if you're willing to do this. To face him in court. To relive everything. Will you help me finish what I started eighteen years ago?"
Valentina looked at me, but I kept my expression neutral. This was her choice.
Valentina squeezed her mother's hand. "Yes," she said. "Let's destroy him."
Sofia's relief was palpable. "I'll call the FBI. They can be here this afternoon to take your statement—"
"Yes," Valentina said, squeezing Sofia's hand. "Let's destroy him."
