Summary

In Chapter 97, the editor’s article about Elena comes out; he defends her right to be a writer, and skillfully avoids naming the Solaras or the neighborhood. Elena is relieved, but Lila is disgusted; she feels that Elena should be braver. She accuses Lila of hiding behind the big newspapers and publishers.

During Chapter 98, Elena hunts down Carmen, who tells her that Marcello threatened to expose Pasquale if she did not bring the lawsuit against Elena. Elena feels like the best way to protect Pasquale from the Solaras is to give him up to the police. Of course, Carmen disagrees.

In Chapter 99, the fervor seems to settle; Elena gains some financial breathing room and the pressure from the lawsuit eases. Lila remains distant, however. One night finds needle-marks on her son’s arm and fires her brother from her computer business, believing...