The helicopter cut through clouds that hung like omens over the Alpine landscape, each mile carrying them deeper into a labyrinth of long-buried truths. Alex studied Eliana's face, searching for traces of Sonia in her features—the same determined set of her jaw, the calculating intelligence behind eyes that revealed nothing unintentionally.
"Renovation," Sonia repeated her mother's word, fingers intertwined with Alex's in a grip that betrayed her tension. "You mean destruction."
The corner of Eliana's mouth lifted in what might have been approval. "Perspective is everything in our world, isn't it?" Her attention shifted to Alex. "Your father was brilliant at recognizing opportunities others considered catastrophes."
"The banking crisis of '94," Alex said, pieces clicking into place w
