Mia’s folded stroller beside the service elevator.
Me.
Especially me.
“Elena Moreno.”
I stiffened.
I used my own surname professionally.
Not David’s.
“Bennett,” I corrected.
“Elena Bennett.”
Victoria nodded.
“Of course.”
Alessandro, standing beside me, looked at her.
“You knew that.”
“Yes.”
“Before she worked here.”
“Yes.”
I expected denial.
There was none.
That almost made it worse.
We met in the smaller dining room.
Not Alessandro’s office.
His choice, I suspected.
Neutral territory.
Anthony attended.
So did an outside attorney Victoria had brought.
Mia stayed downstairs with the licensed backup-care staff for exactly one hour because I chose it.
That was important.
Nobody turned her into part of the meeting.
Victoria sat across from me.
“You deserve an explanation.”
“Yes.”
“I also owe you an apology.”
“That depends on the explanation.”
A faint smile.
“Fair.”
Alessandro looked impatient.
“Why did you place her here?”
Victoria turned toward him.
“I
