CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY THREE - A WHISPERED WARNING

The morning sun filtered through the curtains of the De Laurentis mansion, casting a deceptively warm glow over the breakfast table. Amelia sat alone, absently stirring her coffee as she gazed out the window. The usual chatter and laughter that once filled the room were conspicuously absent. "Good morning, Amelia," Mari's voice broke the silence as she glided into the room. "You're up early." Amelia forced a smile. "Good morning, Mari. Just catching up on some bakery paperwork." Mari's eyes flickered to the stack of papers beside Amelia's plate. "Ah, yes. How is the bakery doing these days?" There was something in Mari's tone that made Amelia pause. "It's... managing," she replied cautiously. "Really?" Mari raised an eyebrow. "I heard there were some issues with the last batch of croissants. Something about them being undercooked?" Amelia's grip tightened on her coffee mug. "Where did you hear that?" Mari shrugged, her expression all innocence. "Oh, you know how gossip travels i