The Moretti home, which had been alive with celebration barely an hour earlier, was now as silent as a funeral hall.
Just that morning, they had received the final documents confirming their partnership with Apollo Construction. Celia had been triumphant, glowing with pride as everyone congratulated her. Thomas had boasted to every relative within reach. Marie had forced a tired smile. Even Emilia’s stepfather had been in rare good spirits. It was supposed to be the beginning of a new era for their family—status, connections, wealth, and influence.
But the ringing of the telephone shattered everything.
Thomas walked over to the receiver, still smiling faintly from the leftover excitement.
“Hello, the Moretti residence.”
The voice that answered made him straighten instantly.
“Thomas,”
