Back then, I thought power meant control. Now, I wasn't sure if it was control… or simply the ability to make others fear losing everything.
Matilda finally broke the silence.
"Kamal… stop this madness! You are humiliating yourself, our family for what? This...this criminal!" She cried out, her voice filled with both rage and disbelief.
My father's hand twitched, and he muttered under his breath, just loud enough for me to hear, "If I hadn't… he would've killed us all."
The words hit me like a slap.
A deep, heavy silence filled the room again.
I could hear the faint ticking of the antique clock on the far wall. I could even hear my own heartbeat, pounding in my ears.
Matteo finally stood up, slow and deliberate. The movement alone was enough to make everyone flinch.
He slipped his hands into his pockets and walked toward my father and brother. His shoes clicked softly against the marble, each step measured.
