The estate had grown quieter since Sage's death, but the silence was heavy, not peaceful. My mother watched us closely, her sharp mind piecing together truths I had tried to hide. It was inevitable... she wanted more answers. And this time, she wanted them not from me, but from Max. so.... my mother confronted Max.
She asked to see him one evening, her voice steady but kind. "Max," she said, "I need to understand the world my daughter is living in." We sat in the study, the fire casting long shadows. Max leaned forward, his hands clasped, his eyes steady. My mother sat across from him, her posture straight, her gaze sharp. "I know more than Lily thinks," she began softly. "I know about the mafia. I know this estate is guarded like a fortress. I know there are enemies who want you dead. An
