“I know everything now!” I said through clenched teeth.
Matteo didn’t shout. That was worse.
He just exGrantd and said calmly, “Good. Then we don’t have to pretend anymore.”
He turned slightly toward Bianca. “Stop crying. It’s pointless.”
“Matteo, please…” she sobbed.
“Enough.” His voice was final. Then, to me: “Aria, you had your chance. I’ll take Mason legally. I’ll adopt him. He’ll carry my name. That’s what he deserves.”
Mason’s crying grew louder.
“Be quiet!” I snapped, my voice breaking as frustration took over. I loved him… I did—but after everything, I couldn’t even look at him without feeling pain.
Mason hiccupped between sobs.
Matteo stepped in front of him immediately. “Don’t yell at him!” he barked. “He’s my son! And you? You’re nothing but a piece in this game. Now that everything’s out, good—Bianca stays here.”
“Then let her stay,” I said coldly, my voice steady again. “That’s exactly why I’m leaving. I’m not staying to watch you build your little fake family while I fall apart.”
He let out a short, harsh laugh. “No. You’re not going anywhere.” His eyes sharpened. “I can’t let you run to my father and ruin everything before I secure my position. You think you can just walk out and expose me? I still have leverage. I can sell you again if I want. Don’t forget your value.”
Heat surged through me so fast my vision blurred. “You wouldn’t—”
Bianca flinched, suddenly soft again. “Matteo, stop… this isn’t the time—”
Her voice shook just enough to sound real. I used to fall for that softness. I didn’t anymore.
“Enough pretending,” I said sharply. “I see through both of you now.”
Her face changed instantly. The innocence disappeared.
“You don’t get to act like a victim,” she snapped. “You threw everything away. You ran off. You left chaos behind you.”
Each word hit like a strike.
“Bianca—” I started, but she shoved me.
Hard.
I stumbled into the kitchen counter, pain flaring through my side.
Mason screamed and ran between us. “Stop! Please stop!”
“Get away!” Matteo shouted.
He moved forward too quickly. His arm swung—meant for me—but Mason was in the way.
The impact made the child stumble violently. He hit the edge of the table and collapsed to the floor.
A sharp, piercing cry filled the room.
“Mason!” Bianca screamed, dropping instantly to her knees and pulling him into her arms. “It’s okay, baby… Mommy’s here…”
I went completely still. My stomach dropped.