Chapter One Hundred Thirty Five - Overcoming the Past

"I need to tell her," he said suddenly, cutting through the strategic discussion. "Amelia needs to know the truth." Sophia placed a gentle hand on his arm. "Of course, caro. But perhaps we should wait until after Francesca is in custody? For Amelia's safety?" Alessandro nodded reluctantly, understanding the logic but hating the idea of keeping this from her for even a moment longer. The next twenty-four hours passed in a blur of controlled chaos. As the authorities closed in on Francesca, the Rossi family held their collective breath. Alessandro alternated between pacing the floors of the mansion and sitting vigil at Amelia's bedside, the weight of his secret threatening to crush him. Finally, the call came. Francesca Rossi was in custody. The confrontation that followed would be seared into the family's memory for years to come. In a secure room at the police station, Alessandro came face to face with his cousin. Francesca, her elegant facade crumbling under the weight of her cri