I frowned.
"Send her in."
Bianca walked in wearing a beige suit, heels clicking sharp. She looked perfect as always—hair pinned up, neck and collarbone exposed, that familiar gentle smile playing at her lips.
"Ezio." She stepped forward, voice soft, concern measured just right. "I heard. Are you okay?"
"Why are you here?"
She sighed, touching my arm lightly. "I know you're upset. Whathappened... it wasn't your fault. You don't have to carry this alone. I'm here."
Her fingers were cool. Even through the shirt sleeve, that chill reached my skin.
"Elder's orders?"
"Mine too." She smiled slightly, pulling her hand back. "I want to help. Your daughter—I know the elders took her, keeping her in the nursery, your wife can't see her."
I said nothing.
She stepped closer, voice dropping. "I spoke to the elders. The baby can stay here at the manor, but they need someone they trust watching her."
I met her eyes.
"They don't trust that woman," Bianca said, no mockery, just fact. "You know how elders are. But if I move in, keep an eye on the child... they'll agree to let her stay here."
"Stay at the manor?"
"Yes." She nodded. "Your wife can see her regularly. No special institution, no leaving the house. Just the nursery, nurses, me helping watch, she'll be happier."
Happier.
The words turned in my head.
Olivia in the delivery room flashed back—those dead green eyes, that single word, that white face with tears she couldn't stop.
If she could see the baby, would she be better?
"Can you handle the elders?"
"I have a way." She smiled. "You just need to say yes."
I looked at her eyes. Beautiful, brown, gentle as a lake.
I stayed quiet for a moment.
"What do you want?"
She blinked, then laughed—genuine surprise flickering before smoothing away.
"I just want to help you."
"Bianca."
She heard something in my tone, lowered her eyes, lashes trembling slightly.
"You're like this always," she said quieter. "Never believing anyone's sincere."
"I just like clarity."
