She Walked Into the Mafia Boss’s Room to Clean—Then His Family Walked In While He Was Still in a Towel
Chapter 5
Sofia slept in the guest wing that night.
At least, she tried.
Every sound made her sit up.
Every passing shadow looked suspicious.
At three in the morning, she heard footsteps.
She opened the door.
Matteo was walking down the hallway.
He stopped.
“You should be asleep.”
“So should you.”
“I don’t sleep much.”
“Why?”
He smiled faintly.
“Occupational hazard.”
She looked down the dark corridor.
“You check the house yourself?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because I trust my people.”
“But not completely.”
“No.”
She nodded.
“Understandable.”
He looked at her.
“You aren’t afraid of me anymore.”
She hesitated.
“I am.”
“But?”
“You’re different when you’re protecting someone.”
He looked away.
“You shouldn’t have to see that side.”
“I already have.”
Silence.
Then Matteo asked,
“Why didn’t you leave?”
She frowned.
“When?”
“When your mother told you to stay away from this family.”
Sofia froze.
“How did you know that?”
“The photograph.”
She sighed.
“I didn’t understand what she meant.”
“And now?”
“Now I think she was afraid.”
Matteo nodded.
“Probably.”
He started walking away.
Sofia called after him.
“Matteo.”
He stopped.
“Yes?”
“Why do you care so much?”
He looked back.
“I don’t know.”
She smiled.
“That seems honest.”
“Yes.”
Then he walked away.
Sofia returned to her room.
She found an envelope beneath her pillow.
Her heart dropped.
She opened it.
Inside was a photograph of her mother.
And another woman.
Matteo’s mother.
They were standing together outside a small clinic.
On the back:
They made a promise.
The next morning, Sofia confronted Matteo.
He read the note.
“My mother knows something.”
“She probably does.”
“Then ask her.”
“I already did.”
“And?”
“She refused.”
Sofia frowned.
“Why?”
“Because she’s protecting someone.”
“Who?”
Matteo’s expression became serious.
“My father.”
Sofia stared.
“But he’s dead.”
“Yes.”
“You think he left something behind.”
“I know he did.”
“What?”
“A ledger.”
She looked at him.
“The ledger everyone keeps talking about.”
“Yes.”
“Where is it?”
“I don’t know.”
“Then what do they want from me?”
Matteo hesitated.
“They think your mother gave it to you.”
Sofia laughed bitterly.
“She didn’t.”
“I believe you.”
“Then why don’t they?”
“Because people who want power don’t need proof.”
She looked at him.
“What are you going to do?”
“Find the ledger before they do.”
“And me?”
“Keep you alive.”
She swallowed.
He had said it so simply.
As if her life had become his responsibility overnight.
Then Bianca entered.
“Matteo.”
He turned.
“What?”
“Our uncle is here.”
His expression hardened.
“Why?”
“I don’t know.”
She looked at Sofia.
“Apparently he wants to speak with her.”
Sofia’s stomach tightened.
“Me?”
Bianca nodded.
“He says your mother owed him something.”
Matteo stepped between them.
“She doesn’t owe him anything.”
Bianca looked at him.
“That’s not what he thinks.”
A moment later, Carlo entered.
He smiled at Sofia.
“My dear.”
Sofia immediately felt uncomfortable.
“You knew my mother?”
“Yes.”
“How?”
“She was a very important woman.”
“To your family?”
“To mine.”
Matteo stepped forward.
“You’re done.”
Carlo ignored him.
He looked at Sofia.
“Your mother kept something for us.”
“I don’t have it.”
“You may not know that you do.”
Sofia frowned.
“What does that mean?”
Carlo smiled.
“Ask your mother why she gave you a music box when you were twelve.”
Sofia froze.
She had kept that music box for years.
She had never understood why it mattered.
Matteo looked at her.
“You have it?”
“Yes.”
“Where?”
“At home.”
Carlo smiled.
“There is your answer.”
He left.
Sofia looked at Matteo.
“Why would my mother hide something in a music box?”
Matteo’s eyes darkened.
“Because she knew nobody would search it.”
Then Sofia remembered one thing.
Her mother had always told her never to let anyone open the bottom of the box.
Suddenly, the past had become very close.
