Chapter 16 - The Woman Who Walked Away
Isabella found her father in the private dining room of his Manhattan hotel. He was reading a newspaper with the solemnity of a man performing for an audience.
"Enzo's messages have been given to investigators," she said.
Vincent lowered the paper. "By whom?"
"Me."
"You realize what you've done."
"Yes. I helped someone I hurt. I wish I'd done it before he frightened her again."
He motioned to the empty chair. "Sit. We can repair this."
"You used to say that about every man I didn't want to meet. And every room I didn't want to enter."
"I gave you everything."
"You gave me beautiful things," Isabella said. "You kept the decisions."
Vincent looked past her. "Your accounts are tied to our family office. Your apartment is in my name. Don't be dramatic about independence until you've paid a bill yourself."
Her cheeks warmed. He was right about some of it, and she hated that it was true.
"Then I'll learn," she said.
She left with two suitcases and stayed with a former college roommate while arranging work through an art gallery where she had once interned. It was ordinary and uncomfortable. No driver waited downstairs. Nobody called to ask whether she wanted flowers in the car.
Several days later Rosa received a note through Helen. Isabella had written it herself.
Lily doesn't owe me forgiveness. I was cruel because I was afraid. I will not excuse that again. I have provided everything I know about Enzo's conduct. I hope she grows up surrounded by adults who mean what they say.
Rosa folded the note and put it in a drawer. She did not read it to Lily. A child didn't need to manage an adult's guilt.
When Alessandro asked if he should thank Isabella, Rosa said, "You can respect what she did without pretending the hallway never happened."
"You sound as though you've had practice."
"I've spent four years practicing not confusing gratitude with trust."
May you like
He was quiet before saying, "I would like to earn both separately."
"Then keep doing the small things," she answered. "The big speeches have had enough attention."
