Valentina led Sofia inside through the quieter back entrance, avoiding the main halls where voices and laughter drifted from. The back way was narrower, with staff doors and less decoration, but it was private and a more secure place where none of the relatives would find them.
"Wash up first, girls, and change into fresh clothes. Eat something light if you can. Then we'll talk."
Sofia stopped walking for a moment, leaning against the wall.
"Talk? Did you say talk? Mom, I'm tired. I want to sleep in my own bed after suffering for more than forty-eight hours by lying on cold tiles and hard benches."
Bianca agreed, her voice weak. "Same here. We haven't eaten properly in two days. We're both starving, literally."
Valentina turned to them, her voice firm but full of care as she touched their arms.
"I know, my loves. I know it's been hard. But this comes first... wash up, change, then go apologise to your grandfather. Properly this time. Grovel if you have to... he's in a mood."
