Riley POV
Antonio’s request changed the atmosphere immediately.
“I would like to speak with Riley.”
Luca moved closer to me.
“Alone.”
“No,” Luca said.
Antonio’s expression hardened.
“I was not asking you.”
“That is part of the problem.”
The children had stopped celebrating. Sophie stood beside Claire with her yellow rabbit pressed against her chest. Leo watched Antonio carefully, while Max looked prepared to object on my behalf.
I touched Luca’s hand.
“It’s alright.”
His eyes moved toward me.
“No.”
“I can speak to him.”
“You do not have to.”
“I know.”
That was exactly why I wanted to do it.
Antonio had already entered the mansion and insulted me in front of my family. He had judged my past, threatened Luca’s inheritance, and treated our relationship like a stain on the Ro
