Veronica's POV
"Are you telling me to stay away from Joseph?" I forced the words out, fighting back the ache spreading through my chest.
"Exactly. Joseph's moving to my grandmother's wing tonight. You won't need to visit him anymore," Leonardo's voice cut through me like ice.
He was protecting his son from getting too attached to me. After all, Trish would return eventually, and Joseph would need to accept her as his real mother.
I stayed quiet for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. I get it."
Without another word, I turned and walked out of the main hall. The loneliness felt crushing as I moved through the darkness.
Walking alone, my tears fell silently.
I was right not to reveal who I really was. Even if the Nelson family knew I was Joseph's biological mother, they'd have separated us long ago anyway. They'd worry I might fight for custody and cut off my access completely.
This was how the wealthy operated.
Cold. Ruthless.
