Let Me Go My Mafia Husband (Aria and Alessandro) novel Chapter 381

Chapter 381 Reconciliation
Emma chimed in, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "I can see it, Sofia. You are glowing and looking more beautiful. My, my! The after-marriage glow suits you," she complimented, a smile gracing her lips.

Sofia couldn't help but be taken aback by Emma's words. Emma had never been one to offer praise, and Sofia knew it for certain. She scanned the room, half-expecting to find Kat lurking in some shadowy corner, her piercing gaze drilling into Sofia's very being. Yet, to Sofia's surprise, Kat was nowhere to be seen.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Sofia turned to Carlo, seeking answers. "Where is Kat? Has she not come to the party?" Sofia's voice carried a tinge of wonder, for it would be yet another unexpected twist if Kat had indeed chosen to be absent. Attending these high-society gatherings was practically Kat's modus operandi. She would never pass up an opportunity to network with the heirs of wealthy families—an art Emma had instilled in her daughter from an early age, as Sofia had keenly observed during their shared upbringing.

Carlo's eyes scanned the crowd, a flicker of irritation crossing his features. "Yes, she has come," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of frustration. His gaze locked onto Emma, his expression demanding an explanation. "Where is Kat, Emma? Shouldn't she come and congratulate Sofia?" Carlo's tone carried a touch of reproach, his disappointment evident in his scowl.

Today, an air of peculiarity hung between Emma and Carlo, something Sofia couldn't quite decipher. Despite their enduring love for each other, there was an undeniable tension. Emma, the catalyst of Sofia's mother's tragic demise and the source of her father's bitterness, appeared distant and aloof. Sofia sensed an unspoken conflict simmering beneath the surface.

Emma delicately retrieved her phone from a golden clutch and began tapping away, her actions drawing Sofia's attention. "I texted her to come here. She might be busy with some friends," Emma defended her daughter's absence, her words carrying a hint of defensiveness. Sofia wondered why Emma felt compelled to justify Kat's absence as if attempting to mask a deeper motive.

Unwilling to dwell on the matter, Emma swiftly changed the topic. "So, Sofia, when are you going to take over the Ricci Empire officially?" Her sudden interest in Sofia's succession raised an internal alarm within Sofia. Suspicion tinged her thoughts as she pondered Emma's intentions.

Sofia's brows furrowed, her mind racing to make sense of Emma's eagerness. Why was she so invested in Sofia assuming control of the Empire? Sofia couldn't help but feel a surge of uncertainty welling up inside her. Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, she replied cautiously, "I haven't decided yet. Perhaps I should wait until I graduate from high school and apply to university. I want to be sufficiently qualified to manage these enterprises successfully. Pursuing a degree in business seems like a logical step. In the meantime, Dad is already handling the affairs of the Empire." Sofia's words held a blend of determination and pragmatism, her gaze shifting towards Carlo.

As her eyes met her father's, a flicker of pride lit up his face, warming Sofia's heart. It was an unfamiliar sight, witnessing him genuinely happy for her. A surge of affection swelled within her, momentarily overshadowing her doubts.

Emma interjected once again, her proposal tinged with ulterior motives. "Yes, you are too young to bear the weight of this colossal Empire. Why not grant power of attorney to your dad? When you are capable enough to assume the responsibility, he will gladly hand over the reins to you. After all, he's your dad," Emma suggested, her words laced with subtle manipulation. Sofia couldn't help but notice the glint of avarice in Emma's eyes, reaffirming her long-held belief that Emma's interests primarily revolved around money. But did her father share the same sentiment? Sofia found herself grappling with a multitude of emotions, unsure of how to respond to Emma's proposition.

anding an explanation. "Where is Kat, Emma? Shouldn't she come and congratulate Sofia?" Carlo's tone carried a touch of reproach, his disappointment evident in his scowl.

Before Sofia could utter a word, Carlo intervened, speaking on her behalf with unwavering conviction. "No, Emma. My mother bestowed the Ricci Empire upon Sofia, making her the sole owner. She does not need to grant me power of attorney to ensure the success of our business. Until she graduates and obtains her degree, I will gladly manage and oversee all the affairs of the Empire. As a Ricci, it is my utmost duty to safeguard our family's legacy and empire," Carlo declared firmly, his words resonating with a profound sense of responsibility.