Finally, Enrico’s cold, calculating gaze softened just enough for her to see that she had made some progress. With a slow nod, he leaned back in his chair. “Fine,” he said, his voice still cold but less harsh. “You can stay until the child is weaned. No longer.”
Carmen released a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Relief flooded her chest, and for the first time since this nightmare began, she allowed herself a small glimmer of hope. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice shaky but sincere. “I promise, I’ll be on my best behavior.”
But even as she spoke the words, her mind was already working, thinking about how she might use this time to change his mind. Maybe, just maybe, in the months she had, she could prove herself. Maybe Enrico would see her differently and would remember w
