“I promise I will do everything I can to keep you safe.”
It was the most truthful promise she could make.
She couldn’t guarantee that cruel people would never hurt them.
But she could guarantee that she would never willingly surrender them to cruelty.
The next day, she gave Eva permission to share the documented financial findings with investigators.
She also directed the company’s outside accountants to preserve records and moved to protect the children’s assets through appropriate legal proceedings.
These steps wouldn’t produce instant results.
Investigations took time.
Courts required evidence.
Financial institutions had their own procedures, and the people responsible would have opportunities to challenge the allegations.
Serafina understood that.
She also understood Victor would not appreciate losing control.
On Thursday evening, her phone rang while she was preparing dinner.
It was Enzo.
“I spoke with the others,” he said.
“And?”
“They’ve reviewed enough to understand what’s happening.”
Serafina pressed the phone against her ear.
“Do they believe me?”
“Every one of them.”
Relief moved through her, but it didn’t erase the fear.
“What about Victor?”
“Some of us have known Victor for forty years.
He was always impatient, always jealous of Daniel.
But stealing from a fund for injured workers is something else.”
Enzo paused.
“He’s been telling people you plan to sell the businesses and keep the money yourself.”
Serafina closed her eyes.
“Of course he has.”
“He’s also saying you want to give the authorities records that could hurt everyone.”
“That part is true.
If crimes were committed, the investigators deserve the evidence.”
“I told them that.”
“And?”
“They don’t all agree on what the future should look like.
But they agree about one thing.”
“What?”
“Victor doesn’t get to use Daniel’s children to settle a dispute with their mother.”
Serafina leaned against the kitchen counter.
For a moment, she couldn’t speak.
“Thank you,” she finally whispered.
Enzo’s voice grew serious.
“Tomorrow’s meeting should happen with your attorney present.
Somewhere neutral.”
“Eva has arranged it.”
“Good.
Don’t meet Victor alone.”
“I won’t.”
But Victor had already decided the meeting would happen on his terms.
Friday morning began with small, ordinary moments Serafina would later remember more vividly than almost anything else.
Leo wanted pancakes shaped like dinosaurs.
Mia couldn’t find her favorite blue sweater.
Mrs.
Alvarez arrived carrying a container of homemade muffins, complaining that the children were growing faster than she could bake.
Serafina kissed both children before leaving.
Mia caught her sleeve at the door.
“Mom?”
“Yes?”
“Are you going to be home for dinner?”
Serafina smiled.
“That’s the plan.”
“Can we make spaghetti?”
“Absolutely.”
Leo came running from the kitchen.
“With the big meatballs?”
“With the big meatballs.”
He wrapped his arms around her waist.
“I love you, Mommy.”
She bent to kiss the top of his head.
“I love you more.”
He giggled.
“Impossible.”
The word stayed with her long after she drove away.
At eleven thirty, Serafina met Eva at her office to review the documents they intended to discuss that afternoon.
Victor had been invited to attend at three.
The invitation explicitly stated that the children would not be present and that all business matters would be handled with legal counsel.
At twelve forty, Mrs.
Alvarez called.
Serafina answered immediately.
“Is everything okay?”
“Victor is here.”
Serafina stood.
“What?”
“He came through the front gate with Nolan and several other men.
He says he needs to speak with you.”
“Don’t let them near the children.”
“I told him you’re not home.”
Serafina could hear voices in the background.
Then Victor’s voice rose.
“This is my family’s property.
I don’t need permission to come through the gate.”
Serafina grabbed her purse.
“Mrs.
Alvarez, listen to me.
Take Mia and Leo inside and lock the door.
If they refuse to leave, call the police.”
“Serafina, Nolan is already outside with—”
The connection broke.
For a second, Serafina stared at her phone.
Then she called back.
No answer.
She was already moving toward the elevator.
Eva followed her into the hallway.
“What’s happened?”
“Victor’s at the house.”
“With the children?”
“Yes.”
Eva reached for her own phone.
“I’m calling the police.”
Serafina barely heard her.
She drove toward home with both hands gripping the steering wheel, her mind moving through possibilities she didn’t want to imagine.
Victor was arrogant.
Nolan was vicious.
But surely they wouldn’t hurt children.
Surely being Daniel’s family still meant something.
Then she remembered Leo’s frightened question in the car.
What if he takes my room?
She pressed harder against the accelerator.
By the time she turned into the private drive, she could see several vehicles parked near the house.
Victor stood near the lawn, talking to two men.
Nolan was farther ahead.
And beneath him was Leo.
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