The morning after Serena's departure, a heavy silence hung over the Moretti estate, a stark contrast to the previous days of festive chatter. Emilia, despite Elena's comforting words, still felt the lingering chill of Leonardo's anger and the sting of Sofia's betrayal.
After a quiet breakfast where Leonardo remained unusually silent, Maria, her face a mask of practiced neutrality, brought a large, exquisitely wrapped box to Emilia's bedroom.
"From Signor Leonardo, Signorina," Maria murmured, her gaze soft with pity as she placed the box gently on the bed. "He said there's a note." She excused herself with a quick bow, leaving Emilia alone with the ominous package.
Emilia's heart hammered against her ribs. A gift from Leonardo, after his chilling display of anger last night? Her fingers
