Chapter Sixteen
“Mama?” Faith yelled.
“We’re in the dining room,” Aria called out.
All three girls walked in with Graham right behind them. The girls hugged her.
“What happened last night, Mama? You left so suddenly?” Angelica asked.
“I happened,” Dominic said.
The girls turned to him, confused.
“Who are you?” Faith asked.
Aria stood and grabbed the table to steady herself when it felt like her legs would give out. It helped when Trent took hold of her arm.
“Girls, I’d like you to meet your b-brother, Dominic.”
Their mouths dropped open.
“Wait, he’s the child that was born before me and was stillborn?” Faith asked.
Aria pressed her lips together and nodded. “Your father took him away from me and told me he had d-died.”
Her girls were clearly upset, and she hated that they had to be a part of this, especially since Dominic didn’t seem to care about any of them.
“I wish you had come sooner,” Hope said. “It would have been nice to get to know you.”
He shrugged, and Aria stiffened at the hurt in her girl’s eyes. He could mess with her all he wanted, but never her children. For some reason, her son kept pushing, and she knew her daughters would only take so much.
“You come into our home…” Faith said.
“Actually, it’s mine.”
“What?” Faith asked.
They all turned and looked at Aria for an answer.
Aria sighed. “When I pass away, the estate goes to Dominic. You three will have inheritances that we can go over later.”
“I don’t want to deal with the business side of things,” Faith said. “I’ve got enough to deal with my husband.”
“Watch it, babe,” Graham said.
“Who are you?”
“I’m Graham Maclean, your sister’s husband. The other two are also married to a couple of my brothers.”
“How cozy, keeping it in the family.”
Aria saw the light grow in Graham’s eyes, and his jaw hardened. “Listen to me, punk. If you dare hurt this family, you will have the Macleans all over you. I guarantee you won’t survive, so show some fucking respect.”
Her son stiffened but didn’t say another word.
“How long are you staying?” Faith asked.
“A few more minutes,” Dominic said.