Page 167 of Legacy

I nod.

She deserves another shop. And she’ll have it. Even if she never asks.

Before I can say anything, her voice cuts through my thought.

“So, you said you have a brother… any other siblings?”

I glance over at her, and the way she sips her coffee—like she’s only mildly interested, tells me she’s trying to keep it casual.

It’s not.

“Yeah. Santo—he’s about three and a half years younger. And Elena. She’s twelve years younger than me.”

Her eyebrows shoot up.

“You have a sister?”

There’s a spark behind her eyes, like the thought genuinely excites her.

I smirk.

“Yeah. She’s a pain in the ass, but I love her.”

Her lips quirk.

“And of course… my sister-in-law, Vasilisa.”

The shift is instant.

Her smile falters, not enough to call her out, but enough for me to see it.

Still polite.

But I catch it.

Shereallydoesn’t like Piccola. And I don’t get it.

“What about you?”

She shrugs, voice even.

“I have Luciano. Hate him. And Valentina. She hates me.”

Delivered matter-of-factly, like she’s listing groceries.

I chuckle. “So just… hatred all around?”

“Pretty much.”

“Can I ask why?” I tease, raising an eyebrow.

Her face sobers instantly, all traces of humor wiped clean.

“Well… Luciano promised me autonomy. Then ripped it away.”

My grin fades.

Fuck.