Chapter Ninety Four - Hidden Connections

  "Can we talk?" Amelia asked softly. Amelia sat back, trying to process this new information. Part of her wanted to dismiss Michael's claims as the ravings of a bitter man. But another part, the part that remembered the uncle who had always protected her as a child, couldn't help but wonder if there was some truth to his words. "Even if what you're saying is true," Amelia said slowly, "it doesn't justify what you did. You had no right to manipulate my life like that." Michael nodded, looking genuinely remorseful. "You're right. I was so focused on protecting you that I lost sight of the damage I was causing. I'm sorry, Amelia. Truly." As they continued to talk, Amelia felt layers of truth and deception peeling away. Michael shared more details about his history with the De Laurentis family, painting a picture of a world far more complex and dangerous than Amelia had ever imagined. But he also spoke of his regret, of the years he'd spent watching her from afar, longing to reconnec