Dinner that evening was quiet. Rafael seemed distracted, probably still thinking about the hacking investigation. Mrs. Santos had made chicken with roasted vegetables, but I barely tasted any of it.
My mind kept going back to Mama. To Uncle Mario and Uncle Stefano, To Papa's businesses slipping away from our family.
I needed to talk to Rafael about this. Tonight.
But how do I ask the man who killed my father to protect my father's legacy?
The irony wasn't lost on me.
After dinner, Rafael headed to his study as usual. I followed him, my heart beating faster with each step.
He looked up when I knocked on the open door. "Maliya. Do you need something?"
"Can we talk?"
Rafael gestured to the chair across from his desk. "Of course. Come in."
I sat down, trying to organize my thoughts. T
