Page 62 of Ricardo

Mario wants access. The family may need the judge’s goodwill one day. A public argument in a ballroom benefits no one.

So I do what we were raised to do.

I put the blade inside velvet.

“Many futures make sense from the outside,” I say. “The person expected to live them often has better information.”

Patrick’s gaze comes to me, sharp now.

Suzanne gives another gentle laugh, though this one is less steady. “Julia has always been fortunate to have people invested in her future.”

“Invested,” Victoria says, almost to herself.

Patrick hears it, judging by the way his attention cuts toward her.

Victoria smiles. “Forgive me. It’s an interesting word.”

Suzanne’s chin lifts a fraction, almost defensive. “Parents are invested in their children.”

“Of course,” Victoria says. “Some investments mature into independence.”

Mario’s mouth barely moves, clearly enjoying the way Victoria cut her down.

I would enjoy this far more if Julia were not the subject.

Patrick takes another drink, then lowers the glass. “I hope Julia is not finding the work too demanding.”

“She is finding it demanding,” Mario says. “I am a demanding man. But she is thriving.”

Patrick pauses.

This time, he cannot immediately turn the sentence into something else.

Mario continues, voice calm. “Julia is organized, discreet, intelligent, and very difficult to fluster. Those qualities are rare. I value them.”

There is no way to mistake the last sentence.

Patrick seems determined to do it anyway.

“I’m glad she is useful to you,” he says.

My teeth come together.

Mario’s eyes turn colder.

“My desk is useful,” he says. “Julia is invaluable.”

A beat passes.

The judge’s smile remains, but the man behind it has gone still.

“Of course,” Patrick says smoothly. “I meant only that I’m pleased she is contributing.”

Suzanne laughs nervously. “Julia seems to have found strong advocates at Conti Enterprises,” she says.

“She earned them,” Mario replies.

There is something final in his voice.