Aurora's POV.
Mrs. Marelli’s lips trembled. Her fingers clutched mine tighter like she was holding on for dear life.
She looked at Luther, then back at me. “I never wanted to hurt you, Madam… but Mrs. Ruby… she forced me. She threatened me.”
My chest tightened. I felt something inside me start to crack.
Luther’s voice came low and sharp. “What did she threaten you with?”
Mrs. Marelli’s breath hitched. “She said if I didn’t do what she asked, she’d have my son jailed. Remember when my son took money from one of your warehouses? He didn’t steal it—he just needed help. I didn’t even tell anyone. But she knew. She had proof. She said she’d destroy him… or worse.”
I stepped back. My fingers were starting to shake.
“What did she ask you to do?” I asked, though my throat was closing up.
M
