Chapter 9 - THE WOMAN AT THE FUNERAL
The funeral belonged to one of Adrian's oldest allies.
Rosa attended beside him.
She wore black.
Adrian wore a black suit.
They looked like a married couple.
For the first time, Rosa realized everyone was watching her.
Some with curiosity.
Some with fear.
Some with hatred.
Matthew appeared near the end.
He approached with a polite smile.
"Mrs. Valenti."
Rosa's spine stiffened.
"Mr. Cole."
"You look beautiful."
"Thank you."
He smiled.
"You know, your father never wanted this life for you."
Rosa answered calmly.
"No."
Matthew leaned closer.
"He wanted you to have a family."
Adrian stepped between them.
"Walk away."
Matthew smiled.
"Of course."
Before leaving, he whispered to Rosa:
"Ask your husband why he never told you about the woman who raised Elena."
Rosa watched him disappear.
"Who was that?"
Adrian's face was hard.
"Don't listen to him."
"That isn't an answer."
They returned home.
Rosa demanded the truth.
Adrian finally told her.
After her mother died, a woman named Isabella had taken Elena.
Isabella had worked for Samuel.
But she had disappeared years later.
"Where is she?"
"I don't know."
Rosa stared at him.
"You keep saying that."
"Because it's true."
Then the door opened.
A woman stood inside.
Older.
Elegant.
Gray hair.
Rosa recognized her immediately.
The woman who had attended every one of her childhood birthdays.
The woman she had always called Aunt Bella.
Isabella smiled sadly.
"Hello, Rosa."
Rosa couldn't breathe.
"You knew."
"Yes."
"You knew about Elena."
"Yes."
"Where is she?"
Isabella's eyes filled with tears.
"She's been closer to you than you realize."
Rosa stepped forward.
"Tell me."
Isabella looked at Adrian.
May you like
Then whispered:
"Matthew has her."
