Page 71 of Secret Baby for my Off-Limits Fiancé

That does it.

My chair scrapes loudly against the floor as I stand, my voice low and lethal. “Watch your mouth, Eva.”

Eva smiles. She likes this. She wants this reaction.

She leans forward, eyes gleaming with the satisfaction of striking a nerve. “You all think you’re untouchable because of that vineyard, like the world owes you something just because you’re Marchettis. But my father inherited that land too. You robbed us. We demand compensation.”

I clench my fists under the table.

"Giorgio sold that land to us. You’re delusional if you think you have any claim to it now."

Eva leans back, crossing her arms. "Funny what they’re calling stealing these days. Like father, like son. A bunch of thieves, all of you.”

I see red.

Just as I’m about to snap, Micah puts a hand on my shoulder.

“Don’t let her get to you. This is exactly what she wants.”

He’s right.

I take a slow inhale, then release it.

I can’t stoop to her level. My mother taught me better than that. But won’t let her win.

I straighten my suit, forcing my voice into calm, controlled steel.

"You can say whatever you want about me, about my family. But you’re not going to get what you want. The law is on our side."

She sneers, frustration creeping into her expression. "You think you’re so noble, don’t you? But underneath all that high-ground talk, you’re just as ruthless as the rest of your family.”

I tilt my head, letting my silence be my answer.

The frustration builds in her features before she finally scoffs and storms out, slamming the door behind her.

Micah exhales heavily. “Well, that was productive.”

I rub a hand over my face. "We need solid evidence to shut her up. Fast."

The stakes are too high, and time isn’t on my side either.

I leave the office and drive back home. I head to the attic where we keep my mother’s belongings, but before I can go in, my hand freezes on the handle.

The memories flood back, her laughter, the way she filled every room with warmth. It’s too raw, too painful. I can almost hear her voice echoing through the house.

I step back, my breath hitching in my throat. I need to cool off, to clear my head.

Without another thought, I head down to the pond near the estate, a place I always went to when I needed to clear my mind.

It’s peaceful here. A place untouched by all the bullshit.

The memory of my mother’s face flashes before me. "Why did you leave so soon?"

Movement on the corner of my eye makes me turn to the figure at the water’s edge.

Silvano Salvatore.

And he’s wasted. Again.

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