Chapter 169

It was something Valeria could never get over or forget. In the dead of night, when no one else was around, she would cry quietly to herself. In the living room, the only sound was her muffled, broken sobs. A little later, Selena woke up and wandered out. Martha quickly wiped her tears dry and opened a tin of cookies she'd had the kitchen bake fresh with healthy and clean ingredients. "Lenny, come here," she said. "Hello, Mrs. Grant Sr." Selena sat next to Martha, taking a cookie and offering the first one to her. "After you." Martha was touched. The gesture nearly made her cry again, causing her to dab her eyes with a handkerchief. Valeria stood up and went to the kitchen, putting on a fresh pot of water. Avery followed her in. "Ms. Neal, apologies… but I hope you could treat what Mrs. Grant Sr. said today from the perspective of a listener. Please don't mind if she talked a little too much. "This happened over 20 years ago, and she’s never dared bring it up at home. If she