Chapter 9 - THE BETRAYAL INSIDE THE FAMILY
Dario's arrest exposed Matteo's involvement.
Investigators recovered messages.
Financial transfers.
False employment records.
And communications connecting him to the attacks against Elena and Bella.
The evidence suggested Matteo had been involved in a conspiracy to seize control of the Caruso organization.
Elena had discovered financial crimes.
Bella had helped her gather evidence.
Both women had become targets.
Sophia had survived the explosion by chance.
For three years, Matteo had feared she might remember something.
So he'd placed Dario inside the mansion.
To watch.
To intimidate.
To keep her silent.
***
Kalin read the evidence in disbelief.
His cousin.
His family.
The man who had attended Bella's funeral.
The man who had hugged Sophia afterward.
The betrayal was almost unbearable.
***
Rebecca found Kalin in his office.
He sat alone.
The curtains were open.
Chicago glittered beyond the windows.
She approached.
“Are you okay?”
He laughed bitterly.
“No.”
She sat across from him.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Kalin whispered:
“I thought I was protecting her.”
Rebecca looked down.
“You were trying.”
He shook his head.
“I made her afraid of everything.”
Rebecca considered.
“You were afraid too.”
He looked up.
She continued.
“Fear can make people confuse control with safety.”
Kalin closed his eyes.
“I don't know how to fix it.”
Rebecca smiled sadly.
“Start by listening.”
***
The next morning, Kalin apologized to Sophia.
Not vaguely.
Not with excuses.
He told her he'd been wrong to ignore her feelings.
Wrong to let others decide what she could do.
Wrong to assume blindness meant helplessness.
Sophia listened.
Then asked:
“Can I go outside without four guards?”
Kalin smiled through tears.
“With proper planning and someone you trust, yes.”
She grinned.
“Can I learn to use my cane again?”
“Yes.”
“Can I have a dog?”
Kalin laughed.
“We'll discuss that.”
Sophia smiled.
May you like
It was the first time he'd heard her ask for ordinary things without fear.
And it felt like a miracle.
