Chapter One Hundred Five - Family Tensions Rise

The golden rays of the setting sun cast long shadows across the manicured lawn of the De Laurentis mansion. Inside, Amelia Hartwell stood at the kitchen window, absentmindedly stirring a pot of risotto. Her mind was far from the creamy rice dish she was preparing; instead, it was fixated on the young woman who had arrived at their doorstep just hours ago. The sound of footsteps pulled her from her reverie. Alessandro entered the kitchen, his brow furrowed with concern. "Any news?" Amelia asked, setting down the wooden spoon. Alessandro shook his head, running a hand through his dark hair. "Nothing concrete. Isabella is still in the guest room, unpacking her things. Uncle Vincenzo seems to have taken quite a shine to her already." Amelia frowned. "That doesn't surprise me. Your uncle has never been shy about his desire for more control over the family fortune." "I know," Alessandro sighed, leaning against the marble countertop. "But we can't jump to conclusions. We need to approach