Chapter 18 - VICTOR’S APOLOGY DOES NOT FIX IT
Victor asked to meet Lucia through lawyers.
She refused twice.
The third time she agreed.
Neutral office.
No Adrian.
I was not in the room.
Good.
Lucia told me afterward only what she wanted me to know.
Victor began:
“I failed you.”
Good.
Then:
“I was protecting my son.”
Context.
Then:
“I should have protected the truth first.”
Better.
He admitted telling Teresa not to speak outside the family.
Admitted calling the fall an accident before he knew.
Admitted trying to take Adrian’s phone because he feared what Salvatore would do with it.
He did not admit knowing about medication.
Because evidence did not show he knew.
Lucia believed that part.
Then Victor said:
“I still love Adrian.”
Lucia answered:
“I know.”
No demand that he choose.
Then:
“I do not expect you to forgive him.”
“Good.”
Then Victor asked whether he could receive updates after Emilia was born.
Lucia said:
“Not automatically.”
He accepted.
That was the first useful thing he did.
No grandfather entitlement.
No Costa blood speech.
Then Victor resigned as Adrian’s personal representative in family negotiations.
He hired separate counsel.
Why?
Conflict.
He could support his son emotionally without helping shape his defense narrative.
May you like
Late.
Still meaningful.
