The room shifted the moment he spoke.
Not louder.
Not chaotic.
Just… tighter.
Like the air itself had learned to obey him.
Giulia didn’t move.
Didn’t step back.
Didn’t look away.
If this man had been watching her, placing her, shaping the direction of her life without her knowing—
Then the last thing she would do now was shrink.
Matteo stepped slightly in front of her.
Subtle.
Protective.
Instinctive.
“Father,” he repeated, his voice controlled. “You shouldn’t be here.”
A faint smile touched the older man’s lips.
“And miss the moment everything comes together?” he asked. “That would be a waste.”
His gaze slid past Matteo.
Locked onto Giulia again.
“You’ve exceeded expectations.”
Giulia tilted her head slightly.
“I didn’t know I had any.”
“That’s what makes you effecti
