Chapter One Hundred Thirty Four - Building New Foundations

Alessandro opened his mouth to protest, but Amelia continued, "I appreciate everything you're doing, truly. But maybe... maybe we need to focus on the present, on the time we have together, rather than chasing ghosts." Her words hit Alessandro like a physical blow. The idea of accepting defeat, of resigning himself to losing Amelia, was unbearable. "No," he said firmly, standing up. "I won't give up. There has to be an answer, and I'll find it." As he left the hospital, determination renewed, Alessandro was unaware of the wheels already in motion. Across town, in a dimly lit office, Sophia Rossi sat across from a man with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor. "I want every stone unturned," Sophia instructed, sliding an envelope across the desk. "Leave no avenue unexplored, no matter how unlikely it may seem." The private investigator, Marco Bianchi, nodded solemnly. "You can count on my discretion, Signora Rossi. I'll find out what's really going on with your daughter-in-law's con