The moment the kids ran off toward the backyard, the air changed.The adults turned toward the villa, and suddenly I felt like I was walking into a courtroom. Not because they were cruel, but because every single one of them had questions, opinions, and expectations.And I was the unexpected piece. Nonna kept her arm linked with mine as we walked down the hall. “Do not worry, cara,” she whispered. “You are family now.” I nodded, but my stomach twisted.Matteo opened the door to his study and gestured sharply. “Inside.”Everyone filed in. Kat immediately took a spot near the window, arms crossed, eyes locked on me like she was trying to solve a puzzle she didn’t like the answer to.Wolf stood behind her, wisely silent. Ciara sat beside Matteo, baby L.C. in her lap, watching everything with quiet curiosity. Luca and his father took seats near the desk, both still looking stunned. And GreenLee, Salvatore’s mother, paced near the fireplace, muttering u
Last Updated : 2026-05-06 Read more