I couldn’t move.
My mother was alive.
The woman I had spent my entire life believing was dead was standing somewhere in New York, and Adrian had just told me she was waiting for us.
My mind couldn’t process it.
“You said my mother is alive.”
Adrian nodded.
“Yes.”
“Where is she?”
“Not far from here.”
I took a step toward him.
“Take me to her.”
He didn’t move.
“Elena, there’s something you need to understand first.”
“I don’t care.”
“You should.”
“No.”
My voice cracked.
“I’ve spent my entire life believing she was dead. If she’s alive, I want to see her.”
Adrian looked at me sadly.
“I know.”
“Then take me to her.”
Before he could answer, Damiano stepped between us.
“We’re not going anywhere until we know it’s safe.”
I looked at him.
“Damiano—”
“He’s your father. I und
