Chapter Twenty-Six - Fractured Trust

Later that night, as Amelia was cleaning up in the kitchen, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned to find Alessandro standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable. "Can we talk?" he asked softly. Amelia wiped her hands on her apron, her heart racing. "Of course, Mr. De Laurentis. What can I do for you?" Alessandro winced at her formal tone. "Amelia, please. Don't be like this." "Like what?" she asked, fighting to keep her voice steady. "I'm just doing my job, as Miss Isabelle so kindly reminded me." Alessandro's eyes flashed with anger. "What did Isabelle say to you?" Amelia shook her head. "It doesn't matter. She's right. I need to remember my place." "Your place?" Alessandro stepped closer, his voice low and intense. "Amelia, you have no idea how important you are to me." The sincerity in his eyes made Amelia's resolve waver. "Alessandro, I-" But before she could finish, the kitchen door swung open, and Isabelle waltzed in. "There you are, darling! I've been lookin