The rain outside seemed to grow louder, splashing against the stone terrace.

I took another step toward the desk.

“There are papers in that bag,” I said, pointing to the yellow envelope.

“Clara,” Leo warned, his hand moving back to his pocket.

The guard also shifted his weight, his hand resting on the butt of his gun.

“What papers?” Silvio asked, his voice low and dangerous.

“The original birth certificates of Luca and Liana,” I said.

Silvio’s eyes widened slightly.

“Those were lost in the fire at the clinic,” Silvio said.

“They weren’t lost,” I said. “My grandfather kept them safe. They show who Dominic really appointed to protect the children.”

Leo lunged forward to grab the bag, but Silvio was faster.

Silvio kicked the bag away from Leo’s reaching hand, sending it sliding across the polished floor.

The yellow envelope spilled out onto the Persian rug.

“Don’t touch that,” Leo hissed, drawing his gun from his coat.

The guard immediately drew his weapon as well, pointing it at Silvio.

Enzo and Gianni reacted instantly, pulling their own guns from their overcoats.