Chapter 8 - THE WOMAN WHO TRIED TO STEAL A CHILD
Vivien made her first serious mistake that evening.
She sent a man to Mia's preschool.
He arrived claiming to be a family driver.
He said Elena had asked him to collect her daughter.
But the preschool director refused.
Elena had never authorized him.
The director called Elena immediately.
Then called the police.
By the time I learned what happened, Mia was safe.
But Elena was shaking so badly she could barely speak.
"She tried to take my baby."
I stood beside her in the sitting room.
Rocco had already arranged for additional security and informed investigators.
I looked at Elena.
"She's safe."
Elena shook her head.
"She knew where Mia goes to school."
I nodded.
"Yes."
Tears streamed down her face.
"She knew her teacher's name."
I felt cold.
Vivien had planned this.
Not as an impulsive threat.
As leverage.
I crouched before Mia.
She held a stuffed rabbit.
"Did the man scare you?"
She nodded.
"Teacher said no."
I smiled gently.
"Your teacher did the right thing."
Mia looked at me.
"Bad lady?"
I hesitated.
Then nodded.
"Someone tried to do something wrong."
Mia hugged her rabbit.
"Mommy cried."
I looked toward Elena.
"Your mommy loves you very much."
Mia nodded seriously.
"Big love."
I smiled.
"Very big."
She studied me.
Then held out her rabbit.
"For you."
I stared.
"Are you sure?"
She nodded.
"Make brave."
My throat tightened.
I accepted it.
"Thank you, sweetheart."
That night, investigators located the man who had attempted to collect Mia.
He admitted he'd been hired through an intermediary connected to Vivien.
The evidence was documented.
Vivien's attorneys were contacted.
And I ended the engagement formally through counsel.
When Vivien called me, I answered once.
"Lorenzo!"
Her voice was furious.
"You can't do this!"
I stared out the window.
"The engagement is over."
She laughed.
"You'll regret humiliating me."
I said nothing.
Then she whispered:
"You don't know what I have."
I looked toward my mother's bedroom.
"Then give it to the investigators."
Silence.
Her voice hardened.
"You think your father was innocent?"
I felt my stomach tighten.
"What are you talking about?"
Vivien laughed softly.
May you like
"Ask Isabella what happened before Carlo died."
Then she ended the call.
