Chapter 116

Chapter One Hundred and Sixteen

Matteo observed with quiet admiration as his partner, Gen, deftly navigated the delicate social dance of Alessio’s five sisters. She handled their probing questions and subtle jabs with the poise and tact of a woman who had mastered the art of diplomacy. The room buzzed with the lively chatter of family, but Matteo’s attention was drawn elsewhere. His gaze settled on Mrs. Palladino, Alessio’s mother, standing a few feet away. Her dark eyes glistened with unshed tears, reflecting a mixture of pride and sorrow. She glanced at Gen, then back at Matteo, before closing her eyes briefly and offering him a small, approving nod. That simple gesture struck a chord deep within Matteo’s chest—he would never have the same approval from his own mother, and the absence of that acceptance left a hollow ache inside him. Yet, to receive this silent blessing from someone he regarded as a second mother was both comforting and bittersweet. His chest tightened with emotion. Gen’s hand found his thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze. Though she wasn’t looking directly at him, she had sensed the shift in his mood. God, he thought, feeling overwhelmingly fortunate.

“Accardi,” Alessio called from the terrace, where he stood surveying his sprawling estate. He flicked the cigarette from his fingers and gestured toward the house with a subtle nod.

“Do you have to leave now?” Gen asked softly, her voice barely audible over the hum of the family gathering. Arianna, Alessio’s second oldest sister, was examining Gen’s engagement ring through a jeweler’s magnifier, her curiosity barely masked.

Matteo took Gen’s hand from his thigh and pressed a tender kiss to the back of it. “Will you be alright?” he asked, concern lacing his tone.

She glanced around the table at the lively group—Frankie, Leo, Jada, Louis, Lucy, and the rest of Alessio’s family, all engrossed in their conversations. A small smile curved her lips as she brushed a stray tear from her cheek. “I’ll be fine,” she assured him with a nod. He kissed her hand once more before rising to follow Alessio inside.

They met just inside the back foyer. Alessio’s voice was low and serious. “Dobbiamo parlare.”