Ro… Rosalia?” I stare at him through shocked, encased irises. “Si. The baby in the picture is OUR… Niece. After the paramedics performed an emergency C-Section on Celeste, Rosalia was transferred to the ICU unit for close observation. The police had found the suicide note explaining everything. She even asked if the baby survived for it to go straight into the care of Giovanni. There was a DNA test done to confirm that he was the biological father, and a week later, she was brought home with a clean bill of health.” “I… me… I can’t believe this.” I straighten and look at Luca. “You kept this from me! You kept my niece, my blood, the only connection I have left of my sister from me. How could you?” I ask him, devastated, shocked, and appalled by his decision to keep this from me. “I respected your parents' wishes and fulfilled them. You were never meant to find out, Vanessa. But considering all the events that have unfolded, and those who Giovanni incarcerates... They will stop at no

“You are most welcome. You and Chrissy are all I have. I know things were very rocky at the beginning between us, but I have watched you grow and evolve into a strong young lady all on your own. And I respect that, Nessa. It couldn't have been easy.” His voice softens. “You've also kept Chrissy on the right track of life and looked out for her where I couldn't. I am forever in your debt.” “You guys are part of the reason I've turned out the way I have. With your kind generosity all these years, I don’t think I would've…”“You would have made it either way, Vanessa. I’m just happy I got to be a part of it. Now, I will stop by later and drop the car off with the credit card. Get a good night’s rest and make sure you keep clear of Luca.”“I promise to stay clear, and thank you, Roman.” I say softly, meaning every bloody word exiting my mouth.“You’re welcome. Bye, Nessa.” He hangs up.“Bye,” I whisper, listening to the dial tone.I put Chrissys' phone on my desk and pull out my suitcase,

“Go on, do it.” I straighten my spine, getting to my full height and waiting for the impact of his hand to land across my face. “You can’t hurt me any more than you already have. But I promise you this… You will be sorry.” I look him dead straight in the eyes. “You threatening me, kid?” My father sneers, taking a step towards me, dropping his hand. “No. I don’t like to make empty threats. This is more of a promise.” “What... because you’re aware of the truth, you now think you're better than us?” “No, it’s because I’ve survived and gotten to where I am today, all on my own. That I know I am better than you and without you…” “Oh please.” My mother laughs, cutting me off. “You may like to think you are something special, but you’re not. We used to think your sister was special, but look how that turned out. She became the death of us all.” She extends a hand, examining her freshly polished nails. “You really are a piece of work, you know that? You both are! She was special, and s

“How many to be exact?” I enquire, curious. That slimy bastard! “Six. There were six of them. Seven if you include his latest victim.” She growls with a shudder raking through her. “Shit!” I stare at her, completely dumbfounded and disgusted. “I know, and the worst part is we let the creep into our house. Now he knows where we live.” She says torn up. “Hey, how were you guys supposed to know? I mean, it's not like the jerk knows it was Conrad that brought the information forward, does he?” I stare at her anxiously. “I don’t think it would've taken him long to put two and two together once dad had got the police involved. He's also prosecuting him for illegally gaining access to the files.” “Surely, he would get done for trespassing and sexual harassment?” I snarl. “None of the women kept the stuff, so there is no physical evidence to pin it on him.” “That’s fucking bullshit.” Staring at her, I retort with wide eyes. “Yeah, but I doubt that will be the last any of us hear fr

We walk out of the Parents Bay and back into the mall, continuing to shop. After shopping around at a few more stores, we hit Starbucks for an ice coffee and a muffin. Silence penetrates the air between us as we drown in our own thoughts.Once we are finished, Chrissy suggests we have a manicure. I concur and add a pedicure as well. A little self pampering never hurt anyone, and I've heard it's good for the soul.I'm already feeling a little more relaxed and human as we exit the mall. When we reach our car, I press the button on the key to unlock the doors. We stow our belongings in the back seat and then inside the vehicle. Chrissys' phone begins to ring, and she takes it from her handbag, peering at the screen.Her face lights up as she waves her phone at me. “It’s Conrad. I’ll be quick, okay.” She walks off to answer the call in private.I jump into the car and turn on the ignition to listen to music while I wait for her. I observe as people exit the mall's parking lot in their veh