CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY - ASHES TO ASHES

"Do you think it will last?" Alessandro asked, voicing the fear that had been nagging at him. Amelia was quiet for a moment, considering her response. "I think... I think we've made a good start," she said finally. "It won't be easy, and there will be setbacks. But I believe in this family, Alessandro. I believe in our capacity to love each other, to forgive, to grow. We've taken the first steps on a long journey, but I have faith that we'll reach our destination." The sun-drenched villa nestled in the rolling hills of the Italian countryside seemed a world away from the tensions and conflicts that had plagued the De Laurentis family for years. Amelia stood on the terrace, surveying the sprawling grounds with a mixture of hope and apprehension. She had chosen this location carefully, hoping that the serene surroundings would provide a neutral backdrop for the family's continued healing process. The sound of car engines and the crunch of gravel announced the arrival of the family mem