“I’m sure he’s wrong.”
She leveled her gaze on me. “Is he?”
“To be honest, I don’t know.”
“He’s approached me about selling.”
“Selling what? Valentini? Is that even a possibility?”
She sighed. “Sì.”
“Is there a reason you need to sell?”
“Not now, but if things don’t get better soon, there might be.”
I sat beside her. “Is there anyone in your family who can help?”
She nodded. “My cousin Matteo has offered.”
“Why don’t you take him up on it?”
“He won’t let me pay him.”
I raised a brow and then wished I hadn’t. Her finances weren’t any of my business.
“He and Lucia…do you remember Lucia?”
“Vaguely. All I really remember is you.”
She smiled and her cheeks turned pink.
“Lucia came to me after my papà was injured and told me I needed to allow people to help me.” She looked into my eyes and then away. “I’m not good at that.”
“So, Matteo?”
“Right. He and Lucia have been seeing each other for a couple of years. Since I was a young girl, I thought one day my father would want him to take over Valentini. He’s the second son of my father’s sister, so he will not inherit his family’s estate. But that was before I knew about Estancia Valentini’s curse.”
“Curse?”
“It’s a long story, but the point is, it would not be advisable for me to go against her wishes and deny my inheritance.”
“But you can sell? No curses to worry about then?”
Her eyes opened wide. “I hadn’t thought of that.” She shuddered. “Where was I?”
“Matteo. What does he think about Georgio’s suggestion that you sell?”
“I haven’t discussed it with him.”
“It might be beneficial to get his input.”
She nodded and rolled her shoulders. “I shouldn’t complain. Compared to what you’ve been through—”
I put my hand on her arm. “Please.”
“I’m sure Valentini will be fine.”
“Talk to me, Pia,” I urged again. “Tell me what you’re going through.”