43. Carlo's Mistress

As Carlo stepped out of his father's study, the butler was waiting, almost as if Leonardo had planned it all. The butler approached swiftly, informing Carlo that Valentina Bianchi was in the vineyard behind the mansion.

The Ferretti family’s legitimate business included luxury wines, and the mansion boasted a small vineyard and winery, often used to entertain important guests or host grand events.

When Carlo entered the vineyard, he saw Valentina quietly painting under the shade of the grapevines. Valentina was a talented artist, and although she had given up her dream of becoming a painter for Leonardo, her skills had not diminished over the years.

Carlo didn’t disturb her. He silently moved behind her, watching her in admiration. She was painting a serene scene of the vineyard—the sunlight filtering through the leaves, grapevines wrapped around wooden trellises, and in the distance, the small winery building stood peacefully, bathed in golden light.

Leonardo had handed over a dozen