Valentina's POV
The evening felt heavier than usual as I prepared for dinner in the penthouse.
Mrs. Chen had taken the day off, so I helped set the table while Leonardo moved around me with unusual attentiveness.
He brushed his hand against my lower back as he passed, the small touch still sent warmth through me, but my stomach stayed tight with nerves.
What if they see right through me tonight? I thought. What if they say something that reminds me I still don’t belong here?
Alessandro and Dante arrived together. Alessandro entered first, his warm eyes lit up with a genuine smile as he pulled me into a gentle hug right away.
"Valentina, my dear," he said, his voice soft, carrying real affection. "How are you?...And how’s your mother doing?"
"She’s stable for now, thanks for askin
