Chapter 17 - HIS MOTHER'S SECRET
Matteo confronted his mother that evening.
She listened silently as he played the recording.
When it ended, tears filled her eyes.
“I knew Vincent was dangerous,” she admitted.
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“Because I thought I could protect you.”
“You let me grow up believing my father died in an accident.”
“I was terrified.”
Matteo's anger softened.
His mother explained that she had discovered the theft after her husband's death. She had threatened Vincent with exposure, but he threatened Matteo in return.
“So you stayed silent.”
“Yes.”
“And Sophia?”
“I thought she had already left the house.”
“She stayed because she had no choice.”
His mother lowered her head.
“I was wrong.”
Matteo sat opposite her.
For years, he had blamed himself for not uncovering the truth.
Now he understood.
Sometimes secrets survived not because everyone was evil, but because frightened people kept choosing silence.
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That night, he promised himself one thing.
Emma would never grow up believing fear was the price of survival.
