It was subtle.
But Rosa had spent twenty-six years learning the language of the Moretti household.
She understood.
"Rosa," Lorenzo said quietly. "What do you know about Elena's death?"
The older woman lowered her eyes.
"Nothing, sir."
"Look at me."
She obeyed.
"Do you believe my wife died in an accident?"
Rosa's hands trembled.
"Sir..."
"Answer."
"I have never believed that."
Isabella stood abruptly.
"This is ridiculous."
Lorenzo did not look at her.
"Why?"
Rosa swallowed.
"Because Elena called me the night before she died."
The room became silent.
Lorenzo slowly turned toward her.
"What?"
"She told me she was frightened."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"She asked me not to."
"Why?"
Rosa's eyes filled with tears.
"She said someone was threatening her. She said she had discovered something about your business and wanted to speak to you privately."
Lorenzo stared at her.
"What did she discover?"
"I don't know. She said she would explain the next morning."
"And then?"
"She never came."
Lorenzo looked at Isabella.
His wife had become very still.
"Continue," he told Rosa.
The housekeeper reached into her handbag.
She removed a small envelope.
"I kept this because I was afraid."
She placed it on the table.
Lorenzo opened it.
Inside was a photograph of Elena.
On the back, written in blue ink, were five words.
IF SOMETHING HAPPENS, ASK ADRIAN.
Lorenzo read the sentence twice.
"Who is Adrian?"
Rosa glanced at Isabella.
"Adrian Voss."
The name struck him immediately.
He knew Adrian.
The man had handled several insurance matters for the family after Elena's death.
He had also been responsible for the vehicle records.
Lorenzo had not seen him in almost two years.
"Where is he?"
"I don't know, sir."
Lorenzo picked up his phone.
He called Marco's security office.
"Find Adrian Voss. I want his location, his employment history, his financial records, and every person he's spoken to in the last six months."
He ended the call.
Isabella laughed nervously.
"You're going to destroy this family over an old photograph?"
Lorenzo looked at her.
"No."
His voice was almost gentle.
"I'm going to find out who destroyed it first."
She moved toward the door.
Marco stepped into her path.
"Move," she said.
He did not.
"Marco."
"Sorry, Isabella."
She looked at Lorenzo.
"Tell him to move."
Lorenzo remained silent.
For the first time since their wedding, she understood that her position in the household meant nothing without his protection.
And his protection was disappearing.
Upstairs, Daniel sat on the edge of his bed.
He had not touched his dinner.
The room was quiet except for the rain tapping against the windows.
Rosa's assistant, Maria, brought him a glass of milk.
"Your father will come soon."
Daniel nodded.
"Is Mrs. Moretti angry?"
Maria hesitated.
"I don't know, sweetheart."
"Did I do something wrong?"
The woman placed the glass on his bedside table.
"No."
Daniel looked at the photograph of his mother beside the lamp.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Do you think people can go to heaven if someone makes them die?"
Maria sat beside him.
She did not answer immediately.
Then she took his hand.
"Your mother was a good woman. Whatever happened to her was not your fault."
Daniel stared at the photograph.
"I think Mrs. Moretti hurt her."
Maria went pale.
Before she could respond, someone knocked.
Marco entered.
"Daniel."
The boy looked up.
"Your father wants to see you."
"Is he angry?"
Marco crouched.
"No, little man."
"Is Mrs. Moretti going away?"
Marco looked toward the door.
"That's something the adults need to discuss."
Daniel nodded.
He stood and took the photograph of his mother.
"Can I bring this?"
"Of course."
Marco held out his hand.
Daniel took it.
Together, they walked downstairs.
Lorenzo was waiting in the library.
When Daniel entered, his father immediately crossed the room.
"Come here."
The boy approached slowly.
Lorenzo knelt.
"Tell me everything."
Daniel looked at Marco.
Then at his father.
He took a breath.
"I saw pictures in her room."
"What pictures?"
"Mommy's car."
Lorenzo's jaw tightened.
"Where?"
"In a little box. Behind her perfume."
"What else?"
"There's a man. Adrian."
Lorenzo nodded.
"Do you remember what the pictures showed?"
Daniel shook his head.
"One was outside a garage. And there was a paper with Mommy's name."
"Did you read it?"
"A little."
"What did it say?"
Daniel frowned, trying to remember.
"Something about money. And the accident."
Lorenzo looked at Marco.
"Get the box."
Daniel immediately grabbed his father's sleeve.
"Don't let her know I told you."
Lorenzo looked down.
"Why?"
"Because she'll be angry."
"Has she hurt you?"
Daniel did not answer.
That was answer enough.
Lorenzo placed both hands on his son's shoulders.
"Daniel, listen to me carefully."
The boy looked at him.
"You are not responsible for protecting adults from the truth."
Daniel's eyes filled with tears.
"But she said—"
"I don't care what she said."
"She said you would send me away."
Lorenzo closed his eyes for a moment.
Then he pulled his son into his arms.
"No one is sending you anywhere."