The limousine ride home was silent. Elena stared out the window, her mind spinning with Rafael's bombshell. Her mother—murdered, not killed in an accident. And somehow connected to Rafael's father.
"Half-sister's best friend?" she finally whispered, turning to face him. "What are you talking about?"
Rafael loosened his bow tie with a sigh. "My half-sister, Sophia. She and your mother were close friends in college. That's how your mother met my father."
Elena's hands trembled in her lap. "And Vivian murdered her? How can you be sure?"
"I have proof." Rafael's jaw tightened. "Documents, testimonies. I've been building a case for years."
When they reached the penthouse, Elena kicked off her heels and paced the living room. Rafael poured two glasses of whiskey, handing one to her.
"Why didn't you tell me?" she demanded, taking the glass.
"Would you have believed me?" He removed his jacket, tossing it onto the couch. "A stranger claiming your stepmother is a murderer?"
