Morning light spilled through the tall windows of the mansion, washing the marble floors in warm gold. For the first time in days, the house felt normal again—almost peaceful.
Almost.
The scent of coffee drifted through the kitchen while soft laughter echoed faintly down the hallway.
Vinny stood at the counter, hair messy, wearing a loose sweater and black shorts, holding Isabella in one arm while trying to pour coffee with the other.
"Okay," he muttered to the baby. "You're adorable, but you're making basic human tasks impossible."
Isabella blinked up at him with wide green eyes.
Then she grabbed his nose.
Vinny winced.
"Violence. Already."
Behind him, Matthew leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching with quiet amusement.
"You look like you're losing the battle."
Vinny glanced at him.
"You try making coffee while holding a tiny dictator."
Matthew walked over and gently lifted Isabella from Vinny's arms.
Instant silence.
Vinny stared.
