Luca POV
After Riley and Richard left the room, my mother stayed.
She stood near the window for several minutes, watching the hallway through the narrow glass panel in the door. Richard had taken Riley aside. I could not hear their conversation, but I could imagine enough.
Questions.
Warnings.
The same concerns everyone had avoided saying directly.
My mother turned toward me.
“You should rest.”
“I am resting.”
“You are staring at the door.”
“I am waiting for the doctor.”
“No.”
She moved closer.
“You are waiting for Riley.”
I looked away.
The movement hurt my shoulder.
I winced before I could stop it.
Victoria immediately reached toward me.
“Do not move like that.”
“I am fine.”
“You have bruised ribs and a shoulder injury.”
“Minor injuries.”
“You crashed into a barrier
