CHAPTER 276
KATYA POV
Dinner ended the way it had begun—quietly, with too many unspoken things lingering between the walls, pressing into the spaces where conversation should have been.
Plates were cleared with soft efficiency, cutlery gathered, chairs pushed back in careful increments. Polite goodnights followed one after another, each one layered with restraint.
Elena disappeared first, the baby already half-asleep against her shoulder, her movements gentle and practiced.
Chiara followed shortly after, stretching dramatically as she yawned, shooting me a look that was far too knowing for my comfort. I chose to ignore it, focusing instead on breathing like a normal person.
Nonna remained seated.
Her hands were folded neatly in her lap, posture composed, eyes still sharp even as fatigue tugged faintly at the lines of her face. I should have known better than to relax.
"Katya," she said calmly, her tone polite but absolute. "Please see Michael out."
My stomach dropped.
