Chapter 441
Chapter 441:
“I apologize for receiving you like this,” he said in a lower voice once we were by ourselves. “I have stage-four lung cancer. Every day is a struggle just to move. I don’t want to leave this world without securing my family’s future p>
The shock ran through me and I very nearly let it show. I forced myself to stay composed — the last thing I wanted was to make him feel pitied or uncomfortable.
“Did you come alone p>
“My wife came with me. She just stepped away for a moment p>
I nodded politely and couldn’t help noticing how his expression softened the moment he mentioned her — warmth and quiet pride filling his face. It was exactly what I felt every time I introduced Sophia as my wife.
“You’re not Italian, are you p>
𝖣o𝘸𝗻𝘭оа𝘥𝘢𝘣𝗅𝘦 𝘗𝗗𝘍s 𝗼𝘯
“No, sir. I’m American. From California p>
“I see,” he replied, nodding thoughtfully. “Then let me ask you this. What made you interested in buying the company? It’s no secret we’ve been struggling. Do you plan to keep things as they are, or do you intend to expand beyond the charcuterie business p>
“I have other plans p>
“Hmm p>
“My love p>
A voice came from behind us, and we both turned. A woman was approaching, walking directly toward him without initially noticing me. The moment their eyes met, they shared a quiet, unhurried smile full of affection. I didn’t know what had kept them apart all those years, but the way they looked at each other now made one thing plain: real love doesn’t fade, and distance cannot break hearts that are meant to be together.
“Darling, I’d like you to meet the new owner of the company.” He had barely finished the sentence before she stopped short at the sight of me.
“Mr. Daniel Kelley p>
“Good morning, ma’am,” I said with a polite smile, uncertain what the appropriate greeting was in that moment.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, disbelief crossing her face as her eyes moved between us.
“Do you two know each other?” Mr. Del Mundo looked from me to his wife and back again, clearly confused. “My love, I was just about to introduce you. He’s the one who bought the company p>
“You’re the buyer?” Her eyes went wide as the realization settled. “Why would you do this, Mr. Kelley? What reason could you possibly have p>
“Wait a moment. Someone needs to explain this to me. How exactly do the two of you know each other p>
All attention turned to him.
“My love — the man who bought your company is also your son-in-law. He’s married to your daughter p>
The change in his expression was immediate, and what crossed his eyes was too layered to put into words.
“So you are my daughter’s husband p>
“Yes, sir,” I replied, meeting his gaze without flinching.
Silence took hold of the room. The only sound was his labored breathing, and I couldn’t tell whether it came from shock or irritation.
“When I learned the company had been sold, I felt relief and grief at the same time. Relief, because my family wouldn’t be left with that burden when I’m gone p>
“My love p>