CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY FOUR - THE SHATTERED FAÇADE

Amelia felt a flare of irritation. "I've been running that bakery successfully for years. I think I know the difference between normal challenges and sabotage." Alessandro held up his hands in a placating gesture. "I'm not doubting you, Amelia. I'm just trying to understand." But Amelia could see it in his eyes – the hint of doubt, the slight hesitation. It was the same look she'd been seeing from the rest of the family lately, and it broke her heart. "Maybe you're right," she said finally, too tired to argue. "Maybe I'm just overreacting." As they settled into bed, the distance between them felt wider than ever. Amelia turned away, blinking back tears, while Alessandro stared at the ceiling, his mind a whirl of conflicting thoughts and emotions. In the following weeks, the situation at "Our Sweet Dreams" deteriorated rapidly. Supplies went missing, orders were mixed up, and equipment mysteriously malfunctioned. Amelia found herself working around the clock, trying desperately to