**MATEO'S POV**

My study was quiet except for the low hum of the city outside the window. I sat behind my desk, glass of whiskey in hand, staring at the blinking cursor on my laptop screen. Numbers. Contracts. Nothing that mattered right now.

The phone rang.

**Mom.**

I let it ring twice before answering, thumb hovering like I could still change my mind.

"Mateo," she said, voice smaller than I'd ever heard it. "I know you've been avoiding me. I don't blame you. I was awful to Isabella. Cruel. I was terrified of losing you - my only child. But I can't lose you. I won't. I'll make things right...