Chapter One Hundred Six - Legal Proceedings

She found Claudia, Eloise's longtime friend and confidante, in the garden, pruning roses. "Claudia," Amelia called out, approaching the older woman. "I need your help with something." Claudia looked up, her weathered face creasing into a smile. "Ah, Amelia. What can I do for you, dear?" Amelia glanced around, ensuring they were alone. "It's about Isabella. I need to know if you've ever heard any whispers about a secret De Laurentis child." Claudia's hands stilled on the rose bush. "Now that's a loaded question if I ever heard one," she said slowly. "The De Laurentis family has its fair share of skeletons in the closet, but a secret child? That's a new one." "So you've never heard anything?" Amelia pressed. Claudia sighed, setting down her pruning shears. "I didn't say that. There was a rumor, years ago, about Giancarlo having an affair. But it was quickly hushed up, and I never heard anything more about it." Amelia's heart raced. This could be the lead they needed. "Do you remem