The TV was still blaring the press coverage. Marcella’s voice, smooth and maternal, repeated on every channel: “Love does not change blood.”

Eva couldn’t listen anymore. She shut it off with a savage click and turned to Alessandro.

“You hesitated,” she said flatly.

Alessandro’s jaw worked, but no words came out. His tie was loosened, his shirt collar damp with sweat. He looked less like the unshakable Don and more like a man cracked open.

“Eva—”

“No.” She hugged Sophia ...