Chapter 11 - THE FATHER WHO OWNED EVERYONE BUT HER
Victor Bellamy requested a meeting.
He chose a private club overlooking the Hudson.
Mateo refused.
Instead, he agreed to meet only in a monitored setting arranged through legal counsel and investigators.
Victor arrived wearing a dark suit.
Silver hair.
Calm smile.
The kind of man who had spent decades believing he could purchase every outcome.
Sophia sat beside her attorney.
Mateo remained nearby.
Victor looked at his daughter.
“Sophia.”
She said nothing.
He smiled.
“You look well.”
Her hands tightened.
Victor continued.
“I've missed you.”
Sophia laughed bitterly.
“You sent men to break into my apartment.”
Victor's smile faded.
“I wanted you home.”
“You wanted the key.”
Silence.
Victor looked toward Mateo.
“You've filled her head with nonsense.”
Mateo said nothing.
Sophia leaned forward.
“No.”
Her voice trembled.
“But she continued.”
“You don't get to decide who I am anymore.”
Victor stared.
For the first time, he seemed uncertain.
Sophia continued.
“You erased my name. You made the world believe I was dead. You used another woman's body to protect yourself.”
Victor's jaw tightened.
“You don't understand what I sacrificed.”
Sophia shook her head.
“No.”
She stood.
“I understand exactly what you sacrificed.”
Her eyes filled.
“Everyone except yourself.”
Victor's face hardened.
“You'll regret this.”
Sophia looked at him.
“I already regret trusting you.”
Then she walked out.
Mateo followed.
Outside, she stopped beneath the gray sky.
Her hands were shaking.
Mateo stood beside her.
“Are you okay?”
She laughed through tears.
“No.”
He nodded.
“Fair.”
She looked at him.
May you like
“But I will be.”
And for the first time, she believed it.
