The jeweler made the professional choice not to react.
She gestured toward the salesman. "Give him your card."
Massimo looked at her, then at the ring, then back at her. "Why am I the one paying?" he asked. "I'm quite certain Luca gave you his card."
Carol stared at him in theatrical disbelief. "You would have your son—who is currently fighting for his life—pay for this?"
Massimo opened his mouth.
"What kind of father are you?"
The guilt landed exactly where she meant it to. Massimo closed his eyes briefly, calling on reserves of endurance.
"Fine. Fine," he muttered, pulling the card from his wallet and handing it over. "Take it."
The jeweler accepted it with both hands. Carol looked deeply satisfied. Massimo, meanwhile, leaned slightly closer to her once the man stepped away to process the payment.
