Chapter 7
The sealed addendum changed everything.
Dominic read it aloud while Milena stood beside the window, white with rage.
Angelo’s father, Vittorio Torrisi, had known more than anyone thought.
He had suspected Milena drove me away.
He had hired Carlo to search for me, but Carlo had been blocked, threatened, and forced into silence.
Vittorio had left a clause.
If Angelo had a child outside Milena’s chosen arrangements, that child would receive protection, inheritance, and a place in the family trust.
Not because of greed.
Because Vittorio had written one sentence that made my eyes burn.
“No Torrisi child should be made invisible for the comfort of the proud.”
Luke sat beside me.
His small hand rested against mine.
He did not understand trust clauses or inheritance.
He understood one thing.
Someone had wanted him to matter.
Milena understood too.
That was why she exploded.
“This is absurd,” she shouted. “That boy could belong to anyone.”
Angelo’s face turned cold.
Dominic cleared his throat.
“A DNA test can be arranged tomorrow.”
“Tonight,” Angelo said.
Dominic blinked.
“Tonight?”
“Call Dr. Serrano.”
Milena looked at me.
Her eyes promised pain.
“You think this makes you safe?”
Angelo stepped between us.
“She is under my protection.”
I stood.
“I am under my own protection,” I said.
His expression shifted.
Not offended.
Ashamed.
“I know,” he said.
The room softened for one heartbeat.
Then Luke spoke.
“Do I have to stay here?”
Everyone turned to him.
His voice cracked.
“I don’t like this house.”
Milena smiled cruelly.
Before she could speak, I answered.
“No, baby. You do not have to stay anywhere you feel afraid.”
Angelo looked hurt.
But he nodded.
“I will come to you,” he said. “If your mother allows it.”
I did not answer.
Trust was not a door.
May you like
It was a road.
And Angelo had arrived ten years late.
