Chapter 7 - THE FIANCÉE WHO LOST HER CROWN
Valentina confronted her father three days later.
Vittorio sat in his study.
He didn't look surprised.
“You've been asking questions.”
Valentina stood before him.
“You lied to me.”
Vittorio sighed.
“About Lucia?”
Valentina's eyes filled.
“You told me she was dead.”
He shrugged.
“She was dead to this family.”
Valentina stared.
“How could you say that?”
Vittorio looked up.
“Your sister disgraced us.”
Valentina shook her head.
“She wanted to dance.”
“She wanted to disobey.”
Valentina felt sick.
For years, she'd tried to become the daughter Vittorio wanted.
Elegant.
Obedient.
Perfect.
She had mocked a little girl because she'd been taught that weakness deserved humiliation.
Now she saw what that belief had done to her sister.
Valentina stepped backward.
“Did you take Lucia's baby?”
Vittorio's expression changed.
That was answer enough.
Valentina covered her mouth.
“Oh my God.”
Vittorio stood.
“Be careful.”
She stared.
“Where is the child?”
He said nothing.
Valentina began crying.
“Where is she?”
Vittorio's voice hardened.
“Leave it alone.”
Valentina shook her head.
“No.”
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For the first time in her life, she refused her father's command.
And that refusal would cost her everything she thought she owned.
