CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY EIGHT - THE FALLING MASK

As the last stragglers filed in, Claudia stepped forward to address the room. The low murmur of conversation died away, all eyes turning to the family matriarch. "Thank you all for coming," Claudia began, her voice strong despite the emotion shining in her eyes. "I know that for many of you, being here today was not an easy choice. The pain and betrayal we've experienced... it's left deep wounds in all of us." She paused, her gaze sweeping across the room, meeting each pair of eyes in turn. "But we are here because we are De Laurentis. And being a De Laurentis means more than just sharing a name or a bloodline. It means being part of something greater than ourselves." As Claudia continued her speech, reminding the family of their shared history, their triumphs and struggles, Amelia noticed a shift in the room. Tense shoulders began to relax, guarded expressions softened. "We have faced challenges before," Claudia said, her voice gaining strength. "We have weathered storms that thre