pression that declared no room for further conversation. Luca Rinaldi and Isla Grace Rinaldi glanced at each other with confused looks but didn't say any

he'll do next." At that, Luca Rinaldi chuckled. "Indeed sister. For all we know, he could challenge Dominic Rinaldi to a duel over the last cannoli at the dinner table and cause a whole ruckus." He made funny faces, mimicking Sergio Rinaldi's movements and Isla Grace Rinaldi couldn't control her laughter. "My, what a horror that would be. I do love my cannoli brother but I would rather face an army of gangsters armed with rubber swords than deal with Sergio Rinaldi's delirious wrath over a piece of pastry." Dominic Rinaldi declared mockingly. The siblings laughed once more and a faint smile appeared on Dominic Rinaldi's usually stoic face. His eyes crinkled ever so slightly, revealing a rare glimpse of warmth. The silly joke had managed to crack through his icy exterior, if only for a moment. It was a sight that Luca Rinaldi and Isla Grace Rinaldi cherished, knowing that their sibling bond had the power to bring even the coldest of hearts to life. Encouraged by Dominic Rinaldi's subtle smile, Isla Grace Rinaldi continued with the playful banter. "This reminds me of the one time Luca Rinaldi tried to outsmart Nonna Rosa in a game of poker. She saw right through you and after beating you with a flush, made you do the chicken dance in front of everyone." Immediately, Luca Rinaldi let out a groan and covered his face with embarrassment. Of course, he hadn't forgotten, the memory still haunted him due to the many times his siblings had used him as a source of comedy both in public and private settings. Laughter filled the room as they momentarily let go of the tension that surrounded them. They understood the gravity of their situation, but humor served as a brief respite. The tension was gone and the humour had dwindled so the siblings stood in comfortable silence for a few seconds before Isla Grace Rinaldi spoke up. "Dom, would you like some chocolate cookies?" Isla Grace Rinaldi asked. "I got a new recipe and I think you would love it." "Hmm, you know how much I love your baking. Bring it, who knows what superpower I might get from it." Dominic Rinaldi answered with a smile. "Noted." Isla Grace Rinaldi responded. "Uh, what about me?" Luca Rinaldi asked, not hiding his displeasure with the pastry love Isla Grace Rinaldi was giving to only Dominic Rinaldi. "I deserve a treat too and I need some superpowers to beat Rosa in the next game." He declared. "Just accept your fate and do the chicken dance once more." Dominic Rinaldi mocked. "Why you.." Luca Rinaldi started to threaten but stopped in his tracks and turned to Isla Grace Rinaldi. "You know what, I'm going in the kitchen with you. You aren't cruel enough to refuse me if I help you with baking." He declared dragging her out of the room. After the departure of his siblings, Dominic Rinaldi sat in his study engrossed in his thoughts when his butler entered the room with a humble bow. "Did you get it?" He asked this tone and facial expression back to the ice king he was. "Yes master." the butler replied respectfully. He placed a folder on the desk, containing a handful of documents, inclu