Heiress to Don DeLuca's ThroneChapter 1: The 18th Birthday

Elena’s POV

"Everyone, I have an important announcement to make."

Applause filled the Grand Hall as everyone turned toward the stage. I was seated on a throne they'd set up just for this celebration, smiling at each and every guest, feeling the weight of all their attention focused on me.

"I'd like to thank each of you for being here today," Ms. Rossi began, her voice full of gratitude. "As you all know, we’re here to celebrate Elena’s 18th birthday, marking her transition into adulthood and honoring the remarkable contribution she has made to our family."

"Elena, as you know, is the daughter of the late Don Salvatore. Before he passed, he left one final wish for his daughter as she entered this new chapter of her life."

The guests applauded again, and I felt my heart swell with emotion. Then, my gaze landed on Ms. Rossi, who’d been like a mother to me. She and her family took me in, became my rock. Words couldn’t express just how thankful I was for the Rossi family and how much trust I placed in them.