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Inside the cramped room, the door closed, Vittoria folded her arms. “I’ve been reviewing the accounts. And I can’t help but notice... something doesn’t make sense.”

André’s brows knitted together in mock concern. “We’ve been doing everything by the book, Signora. The business has been steady, but you know how it is—suppliers raise prices, taxes… unexpected expenses.”

“Yes,” Vittoria said slowly, “I understand that. But the numbers don’t just reflect minor fluctuations. We are losing money—consistently. Yet every time I visit, this place is packed. I’m sure you can appreciate my concern.”

Elisabetta stepped forward, her hands fluttering. “With respect, Signora, we are working very hard. The restaurant business is unpredictable. Maybe there’s been some mistake in the bookkeeping.”

Vittoria’s eyes narrowed slightly. “A mistake… perhaps. But I intend to be thorough. I’ve decided to bring in someone to look over the finances—an accountant I trust. He’ll review everything.”

There was a flicker—just for a second—of something behind André’s eyes. Irritation? Panic? It was gone almost instantly, replaced by his usual smooth professionalism.

“Of course,” he said, forcing a smile. “We have nothing to hide.”

“Good,” Vittoria replied, holding his gaze a moment longer than necessary. “I expect full cooperation. He’ll be arriving tonight, and the review will begin first thing tomorrow.”

There was a brief pause—a flicker of tension in the air.

“Of course,” André said smoothly, though his smile had tightened at the edges. “We’ll make sure everything is ready.”

Without waiting for further response, she turned on her heel and left the office, her heels clicking sharply against the tiled floor as she walked back out into the dining room.