Mafia's Princess (Under Editing)

Chapter 32

Third Person's POV

"Finally, you're all here," Isa said, sinking gracefully onto one of the couches. A bright smile lit up her face as excitement shimmered in her eyes. "I'm so happy Ana came too, this is going to be so much fun."

Her gaze drifted eagerly around the living room, searching for Ana's familiar presence. But as the seconds passed and she found no sign of her, the smile on her lips faltered, replaced by a faint, puzzled frown.

"Wait a second—" she exclaimed, springing to her feet so suddenly that everyone in the room turned toward her in alarm.

"What happened, Bella?" Ethan asked, his brows knitting together as he looked at his little sister.

"Where is Ana?" she demanded, her voice edged with concern. Her question sent a ripple through the room as everyone instinctively glanced around, searching.

"Yes... where is she?" Romeo added, frowning slightly. "Didn't she come with you?" He scratched the back of his head, confused. "I'm sure I saw her just a while ago when I went to the main door to greet everyone with the others..."

"Oh, you know her, she's probably busy examining every antique in the hallway on her way here,"Alessia said with a soft chuckle, fondness lacing her voice as she spoke of her daughter's love for art and history.

"Yes, every single piece back home comes with a full, detailed story, courtesy of our artist, Ana," Dante added with a grin, earning warm laughter from everyone at the thought of her endearing habit.

The twins exchanged looks, rolling their eyes in unison before Riccardo threw his hands up dramatically. "You mean exhausting us with her endless historical lectures? Then yes, that's exactly what she's doing."

"You have a mind, cardio?" Isa gasped, placing a hand over her chest in mock shock, her tone dripping with playful teasing. The room erupted in laughter.

Riccardo shot her an annoyed glare. "First of all, I've told you not to call me by that ridiculous name. And second, I happen to have one of the sharpest minds in the world." He tossed his head back slightly, as if flipping imaginary hair, chin lifted high in exaggerated pride.

Isa giggled, clearly enjoying his irritation. "In your dreams..." she drawled teasingly.

Her laughter turned into a startled shriek the moment she saw Riccardo rise from his seat. She knew exactly what was coming next—his merciless tickle attack. All her brothers knew she was hopelessly ticklish, and Riccardo never missed a chance to use it against her.

"Enzo!" she squealed, darting across the room and throwing herself against her cousin, wrapping her arms tightly around his side.

A faint smile tugged at Vincenzo's lips as he steadied her, one arm instinctively coming around her in a protective hold. He lifted his gaze to Riccardo, fixing him with a warning glare.

Riccardo halted mid-step, clicking his tongue in annoyance. "That's not fair," he muttered, though he stepped back nonetheless.

Isa peeked out from behind Vincenzo, a triumphant smirk playing on her lips as she met Riccardo's glare.

Across the room, the elders simply shook their heads, amused by the familiar chaos. It was nothing new, just another day with the children and their endless antics.

"I'm going to look for Ana," Romeo announced, pushing himself up from his seat.

"We're coming too," Isa said quickly. She slipped out of Vincenzo's hold, catching Katerina's hand and tugging her along as they hurried after Romeo.

The three of them stepped out into the wide, circular hallway, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished floor. They glanced around, scanning every corner, but there was still no sign of Ana.