The atmosphere at the Corsini mansion was festive because it was Leonardo's birthday. Marco loved his eldest son deeply, so he always threw grand parties on his birthday and celebrated it with great pomp and show. Today was no different. All the guests had arrived—some from the business world and others even from the underworld. Marco was chatting with an old friend, drink in hand.
Leonardo hadn't arrived at the party yet. Everyone was talking about him. Some influential guests had even brought their daughters, hoping that if Leonardo liked one of them, they could build ties with the Corsini family and gain many advantages from it.
Carlo had also brought Sophia to the party, as he had promised. Today, he was going to introduce her to his entire family. Sophia was in awe of the lavish party and the grandeur of the Corsini mansion. There was a glint of pride and greed in her eyes. She wore a bodycon dress and looked very hot in it.
Meanwhile, Mía was watching the party below from one of the mansion's windows. Her eyes reflected silence and loneliness. Perhaps she was missing someone deeply at that moment.
Leonardo, now ready, passed by that room. His gaze fell on Mía. Seeing her triggered a faint memory—an image of a smiling girl. As soon as this memory surfaced, his expression hardened, and without looking at Mía again, he walked away.
When he entered the party hall, the lights dimmed and a spotlight shone on Leonardo. All eyes turned toward him. The girls present were visibly excited.
Leonardo wore a handmade black suit and looked incredibly handsome and attractive. His every step exuded power and grace.
Once he came down, Marco and Maria approached him, hugged him, and wished him a happy birthday. Everyone began congratulating him one by one, while also discussing their businesses. Although it seemed like Leonardo was listening, his attention was fixated on a window in the mansion.
Antonio noticed this. He walked up to Leonardo, and the others gave them space to talk. Antonio gave him a teasing look, and Leonardo furrowed his brows as if asking what was going on.
Smiling, Antonio said, "Looks like something's different today… maybe inside you."
Leonardo didn't understand what he meant and replied irritably, "What riddles are you speaking in? Say it clearly."
Antonio leaned in slightly and said softly, "Your mind is here, but your heart is somewhere else. Could this be the start of something good?"
Leonardo disagreed and said, "Shut up. It's nothing like that. I'm just thinking about how Rocco hasn't made his next move yet. And his girlfriend—she may look innocent, but you and I both know that innocent faces can be the most deceptive."
Antonio responded, "What if this one's different?"
Leonardo didn't say anything more about her.
They were still talking when Marco called out to them and gestured for them to come over. As they joined him on stage, he looked at everyone and began speaking proudly, "Thank you all very much for being a part of our happiness today. It's been 28 years since I became a father—a father to a son who has never disappointed me. A son who has made our name and this family name shine across the world. It wouldn't be wrong to say that both our sons have gone beyond us."
Hearing this, Leonardo and Carlo felt deeply touched. Leonardo took the mic from his hands and said just one sentence, "We are the sons of Marco Corsini. Isn't this obvious?"
Everyone laughed, including Marco. He proudly embraced Leonardo and softly whispered, "I am proud of you, my son."
Carlo quickly took Sofia's hand and came up to the stage, hugged Leonardo, and said, "Happy birthday, bro." Leonardo patted him on the back.
Maria felt immense joy seeing her family together. But suddenly, her eyes drifted toward Leonardo's mansion, and Mia came to her mind. She told Marco she'd be back in a little while and quietly left for Leo's mansion.
When she reached the room where Mia was kept, she took a deep breath. As she reached out to open the door, she heard Leonardo's voice from behind, "Mom?"
She turned and saw Leonardo, then said, "Leo, what are you doing here, son? It's your birthday. You should be enjoying the party."
Leonardo walked up to her, placed his hand on her shoulder, and said, "But you're my mom too, so it's important for you to be at your son's celebration. Come downstairs now."
Maria looked once more at the guest room and was about to say something when Leonardo said, "We shouldn't bring this out to the world just yet. It's important for her own safety too."
Hearing this, Maria didn't say anything more and went back to the party with Leonardo.
Meanwhile, Mia had seen them and overheard their conversation. Now she felt even worse. Tears welled up in her eyes. She quietly went and sat on the bed, buried her face in her knees, and began to sob softly.
Sophia was very excited to meet corsini. When Leo and Maria came, he introduced her to her family and said joyfully " mom, dad , brother ! She is Sophia Grimm,my girlfriend friend. "
Leonardo and Marco didn't say anything but Leo patted Carlo's soldiers and went towards Antonio. Maria smiled and Taking Sophia hands in her and said softy " hello kid, it's nice to meet you. You are very pretty."
After hearing Maria's complement, sophia blussed and said " thanks anty"
Maria again said to her " Please enjoy the party."
Then she turned towards. Carlo and said " take care of her son."
Marco was calling her. So she went towards him. Actually, Marco's an old friend also came in the party. He was their common friend. When Maria reached there, she amazed at seeing her old friend. She smiled and hugged him " what a pleasant surprise you gave! Long time .How are you."
They separated from each other and that old friend started saying" I was in London, there was a crisis in the family business so i had to solve that. But I am glad to see you both together and happy. Also Leo has grown up well and, very handsome and intelligent boy. Did you find any girlfriend for him. If not, let me introduce him to my family daughter's. Believe me they can be a good companion for him. "