Maya's POV
After Valentina departed, I lingered on the veranda, the woman's venomous words churning through my thoughts like a relentless tide. The need to uncover the truth about Sebastian's past consumed me, driving away any semblance of peace.
Martha materialized with coffee, her movements careful as she arranged the service. I seized this opportunity, despite my inadequate grasp of the local dialect.
"Martha?" My voice carried hesitation as I struggled with the unfamiliar words. "Posso ask qualcosa?"
The housekeeper's weathered face brightened with encouragement, nodding warmly.
"Valentina e Sebastian..." I paused, wrestling with the language barrier. "Molto tempo insieme?"
Martha's brow furrowed as she processed the fractured inquiry.
"Valentina e Mr. Sebastian?" Her hands moved in vague gestures. "Si, si. Da bambini. Cresciuti insieme."
The confirmation that they had grown up together wasn't news to me. I pressed forward, seeking more delicate information.
