Chapter 142

• I told Renzo everything I had learned from Theron everything Theron's father, Renzo’s own uncle, had confessed. I wished I had more clarity to offer, more solid facts to ease the blow. But I knew the truth, however incomplete, would rip open old wounds and make them bleed worse than before. That was exactly what Chun Kit intended. He wanted Renzo to feel gutted, betrayed. He wanted to drive a wedge between us.
• “Please don’t be angry with Theron for not telling you,” I said gently. “We only know fragments half-whispered rumors and whatever his father blurted out in rage. I’m sure Theron would have told you… just not here. Not like this. He was waiting until we got back to New York.”
• Renzo gave a small nod, his eyes fixed on the polished wood floor as though it might reveal answers. He drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. The silence wrapped tightly around us, suffocating.