Chapter 26
Domenico walked around the desk, his polished shoes silent on the thick carpet. He stopped in front of Valentina, who kept her eyes glued to the floor, waiting for the final blow. "Ethan is upstairs," Domenico said softly. Valentina gasped, looking up with wild, desperate hope. "He is safe. He is unharmed," Domenico continued, his voice cold and devoid of affection. "You will take him, and you will leave this city. A car is waiting outside. It will take you to an airfield. There is a trust fund established in his name in Switzerland. It is enough to live a quiet, comfortable life." Valentina stared at him, unable to comprehend the mercy being offered. "Why?" she whispered. "Why let us live?" Domenico looked past her, his gaze distant. "Because he is a child, and he did not choose you as a mother. I will not have his blood on my hands." He crouched down, forcing her to meet his sharp, intimidating eyes. "But hear me clearly, Valentina. If you ever return. If you ever speak my name, or attempt to contact this family again, there will be nowhere on this earth you can hide from me." Valentina nodded frantically, tears streaming down her face. "I swear it. I swear it, Domenico. We will disappear."
