The mansion had not slept all day.Servants moved quickly through the hallways carrying trays of flowers, ribbons, wine glasses, decorations, and expensive fabrics while voices echoed softly from every direction.The once quiet estate had transformed completely.Lidia stood near the center of the large reception hall, holding a roll of silver ribbon while supervising the final decorations. Purple and black flowers lined the long marble staircase, soft golden lights wrapped around the pillars, and crystal chandeliers cast warm reflections across the polished floors.Everything looked elegant.Carefully planned.Erika walked down the staircase carrying wrapped gifts in both hands.“You know,” she muttered breathlessly, “for someone who said she didn’t want a big party, this looks like a royal celebration.”Lidia laughed softly for the first time that day.A real laugh.Short.But warm.“I blame Gennado.”“You should,” Erika replied immediately. “This man invited half the mafia world.”L
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