Victoria looked at him.
Something flickered across her face.
Not guilt.
Recognition.
Adrian saw it too.
—Why are you looking at me like that?
Victoria’s lips parted.
Then she whispered:
—Because you shouldn’t exist.
Leonardo moved instantly.
—What does that mean?
Victoria said nothing.
He slammed his palm onto the table.
—WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
I pulled Adrian closer.
Victoria looked at me.
—You really don’t know, do you?
My stomach tightened.
—Know what?
Her eyes moved toward the triplets.
—Why do you think I was so desperate to make you leave before Leonardo discovered you were pregnant?
Leonardo went completely still.
Victoria laughed weakly.
—It wasn’t because Sofia was poor.
I felt suddenly cold.
—Then why?
She looked at Leonardo.
—Because your father knew her mother.
Silence.
Leonardo frowned.
—What are you talking about?
Victoria sat down.
For the first time that night, she looked old.
