Chapter 8 - THE MAN WITH THE FAMILY RING
Matteo arrived at the mansion without warning on Sunday afternoon.
He entered the study carrying a leather folder and wearing the heavy gold ring that had belonged to Santiago's father.
He looked exactly as he always had: silver hair, tailored suit, calm eyes.
“Family meeting,” he announced.
Santiago did not stand.
“You should have called.”
“I shouldn't need permission to visit my nephew.”
“You do now.”
Matteo's gaze shifted toward Ruby.
“Who is this?”
“Ruby Brennan.”
“Ah. The maid.”
“Former maid,” Ruby replied.
Matteo gave a thin smile.
“You should be careful about becoming involved in family matters.”
Santiago stood.
“She is involved because she helped Sophia communicate.”
Matteo's expression barely changed.
“Poor Sophia. Still surrounded by people who encourage her fantasies.”
Santiago's hands tightened.
“Don't speak about her that way.”
“I'm trying to protect you. Your sister has been unwell for years. You know how easily memories become confused.”
Sophia appeared at the doorway.
She had heard him.
Matteo turned and softened his voice.
“Hello, sweetheart.”
Sophia did not respond.
He took one step toward her.
She immediately moved behind Ruby.
The movement was small.
But Santiago saw it.
Matteo saw it too.
His expression hardened for half a second before the smile returned.
“She's frightened of strangers.”
“She knows you,” Santiago said.
Matteo opened his folder.
“I have documents showing that your mother wanted me to manage the trust. You have been distracted by personal issues. The board is concerned.”
“Then let the board review the records.”
Matteo's eyes narrowed.
“What records?”
“The payments to Dr. Voss. The private transport company. The missing money.”
Matteo closed the folder.
“You have no idea what you're doing.”
“Then explain it.”
Matteo looked at Ruby.
“Get rid of her. She has already caused enough trouble.”
Santiago stepped between them.
“You don't give orders in my house.”
For the first time, Matteo's composure cracked.
“You think you're in charge because your father left you a title? I built half of what you control.”
“And you stole from the other half.”
Matteo's voice dropped.
“Be very careful, Santiago.”
“I am.”
Matteo turned toward the door.
Before leaving, he looked at Sophia.
“You should have stayed quiet.”
Sophia flinched.
Santiago moved forward, but Ruby caught his sleeve.
“Don't,” she whispered. “He wants you to lose control.”
Matteo left.
Sophia's hands began to shake.
Ruby knelt beside her.
“Look at me. Breathe slowly.”
Sophia signed something.
Ruby's face changed.
“What?” Santiago asked.
“She says Matteo told her the same thing the night your mother died.”
Santiago stared at the closed door.
May you like
The man who had raised him like a second father had just confirmed what the recording suggested.
And he had done it in front of a witness.
