Alessia's Pov
Madam Claudia’s lips curved into a faint smile, though it was far from warm. "Unfortunately, she’s chosen to stoop quite low in her ambitions."
I froze, my breath catching as she turned to Andrea, her tone cutting. "She’s marrying Matteo. One of my lapdogs."
Andrea’s charming demeanor faltered for a moment, his smile fading as he glanced at me. "Matteo?" he repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief. "That’s... unfortunate."
The room fell into a tense silence. I could feel Madam Claudia’s gaze on me, sharp and unyielding, while Andrea’s expression softened, almost apologetic.
"I didn’t realize things were so complicated," Andrea finally said, his voice quieter but still kind.
"You have no idea," I replied, forcing a small smile despite the knot tightening in my chest.
