Teresa's POV “Family man,” Nathan declared, clapping Valentino on the shoulder. “That’s what I respect. A man who looks after his own. That kind of stability,” he said, turning his smile on Melinda, who stood stiffly beside him, “is exactly the foundation this partnership needs.”He was playing a role, and he was playing it broadly. His eyes, however, were busy, flicking between Valentino and Evelyn, assessing, calculating.Evelyn stood close to Valentino, her calm demeanor intact, but her eyes were now taking in the new environment, the new players. Nathan’s gaze lingered on her for a beat too long, and a slow, thoughtful look passed over his face.I felt a cold dread solidify in my stomach. This was not a coincidence. The pieces were moving, and Nathan was the one moving them.The group discussion was a tense, circular affair. Nathan championed Valentino’s involvement, framing it as a “diversification of trust” and a “strengthening of family-centric values.” Melinda said little, he
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