She slapped a poor chef in the kitchen—until Mateo discovered the woman he humiliated was his own mother

his voice low, trembling with restrained fury.

“Oh, don’t be dramatic,” she laughed lightly, flicking her hand dismissively, her pearls clicking softly. “She’s just helping. It’s a busy night—sometimes people like her need a little… direction.”

Part II: The Weight of the Bloodline
Mateo acted as if she didn’t exist. His continue reading …