Gianna stepped forward, her eyes gleaming. Her chin tilted up and to the left. "Nonno punished us because of you."
"I didn't tell," I said quietly, trying to walk past them.
Matteo stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "You cried like a baby. We saw you."
"Where's your puppy now?" Nico added with a sneer. One shoulder lifted in that careless shrug of his.
My chest tightened, but I forced myself to stay calm. "Move."
"Or what?" Rocco smirked. "You'll run and complain again?"
"You're powerless now," Lucia said with a cold smile.
They began to circle me slowly.
Then they tilted their candles.
Hot wax dripped onto my skin.
I gasped as the burning drops hit my arms and neck, pain spreading instantly across my body.
Before I could react, a new voice echoed through the corridor.
"Children, that is not how we treat family."
I froze.
Valentina walked in calmly, as if she owned everything.
The woman they adored. The woman Enzo truly loved.
Her emerald satin robe shimmered under the corridor lights, her red hair flowing over her shoulders. She moved through the Montecarlo estate like a woman whose name was already on the deed.
"Mamma Valentina," the children cheered, running to her.