I stood beside Sophia and interpreted conversations with donors, doctors, politicians, and board members.
She was intelligent, funny, and far sharper than people expected.
That was the problem.
People underestimated her because she could not hear them.
They assumed if they turned their mouths away, spoke while covering their lips, or talked behind her shoulder, she disappeared from the conversation.
But Sophia watched everything.
So did I.
A silver-haired man named Carlo Vitelli arrived just before dinner.
Dante introduced him as his uncle.
Carlo kissed Sophia on both cheeks and greeted Dante warmly, but neither man’s eyes matched the affection in their voices.
“Nephew.”
“Uncle.”
Their handshake lasted one second too long.
Carlo sat across from Sophia.
Throughout dinner, he kept glancing toward a leather folder beside his plate.
So did Sophia.
At first she signed harmless things to me.
The fish is overcooked.
That senator lies badly.
Dante needs more sleep.
Then Carlo leaned toward a man beside him and whispered something while keeping one hand near his mouth.
Sophia watched him.
Her expression changed.
She looked at me.
Did you understand that?
I signed, No.
He covered his mouth.
She nodded once.
Then she signed beneath the table where only I could see.
Carlo thinks I cannot understand what is happening with the foundation.
I kept my face neutral.
What is happening?
Her hands slowed.
Money is disappearing.
My stomach tightened.
I glanced at Dante.
He was speaking to a judge two seats away.
Sophia immediately touched my wrist.
Do not tell him yet.
I stared at her.
Why?
Because I need to know who he trusts.
A waiter set down wine.
Sophia smiled politely until he moved away.
Then she continued.
The charity foundation was created by my husband.
After he died, Dante took responsibility for it.
Carlo oversees several accounts.
I signed, You think Carlo is stealing?
Sophia’s eyes hardened.
I know someone is.
Then she nodded toward the leather folder across the table.
And tonight they want Dante to sign something.
I looked at the folder.
Carlo’s hand rested casually on top of it.
Dante returned his attention to the table.
