Chapter 42
"Buon compleanno, nono," Alessandro's voice reverberated through the hall, accompanied by the soft murmur of Italian greetings from the other guests. With a warm smile, the elder De Luca acknowledged his grandson's homage, his eyes sparkling with paternal pride.
Alessandro knelt before his grandfather’s wheelchair, offering heartfelt birthday wishes.
And with a polite smile, Grace stepped forward, her greeting tinged with a touch of nervousness. "Happy birthday, signore," she murmured, her voice barely audible above the din of the crowd. But Antonio De Luca's gaze barely flickered in her direction, his attention wholly consumed by Alessandro and the little bundle in his arms.
Alessandro carefully handed Ava over to his grandfather's waiting arms, a tender exchange that spoke
