“Enough.” His voice was final. Then, to me: “Aria, you had your chance. I’ll take Mason legally. I’ll adopt him. He’ll carry my name. That’s what he deserves.”
Mason’s crying grew louder.
“Be quiet!” I snapped, my voice breaking as frustration took over. I loved him… I did—but after everything, I couldn’t even look at him without feeling pain.
Mason hiccupped between sobs.
Matteo stepped in front of him immediately. “Don’t yell at him!” he barked. “He’s my son! And you? You’re nothing but a piece in this game. Now that everything’s out, good—Bianca stays here.”
“Then let her stay,” I said coldly, my voice steady again. “That’s exactly why I’m leaving. I’m not staying to watch you build your little fake family while I fall apart.”
He let out a short, harsh laugh. “No. You’re not going anywhere.” His eyes sharpened. “I can’t let you run to my father and ruin everything before I secure my position. You think you can just walk out and expose me? I still have leverage. I can sell you again if I want. Don’t forget your value.”
Heat surged through me so fast my vision blurred. “You wouldn’t—”
Bianca flinched, suddenly soft again. “Matteo, stop… this isn’t the time—”