“Inside,” Ricardo said. “All of you.”
In the sitting room, he told Gabriel to sit beside him. Elena remained near the door, half expecting to be dismissed.
Ricardo faced the women. “I invited you because I thought companionship could help this home. My son believes you’re here for reasons that have nothing to do with him.”
Charlotte folded her hands, smile polished. “Ricardo, he’s grieving. Children misinterpret adult conversations.”
“Then correct the interpretation,” Ricardo said. “Look at my son and tell him what you want from this family.”
Vivian’s eyes slid away first. Bianca shifted in her seat. Seraphina checked her phone. Nadia’s expression stayed blank, which somehow said the most.
Ricardo exhaled. “Here’s what I’m going to do. Effective immediately, I’m moving the bulk of my assets into a charitable foundation in Mariana’s name. Any future spouse will have no claim to it.”
The change in the room was instant and unmistakable—tiny flinches, widened eyes, calculations that couldn’t hide fast enough.
Seraphina stood. “I think this evening has become inappropriate,” she said.
Nadia rose next, smoothing her coat. “If your priorities are shifting, I won’t waste your time.”
