Page 205 of Malicious Claim

People were back to work, and Don Matteo had been discharged from the hospital. He was already behind his desk in the study like nothing ever happened.

Makros had asked to speak with him, but the Don didn't expect to see Leila walking in beside his son. He didn't show it on his face, but the surprise was definitely there.

"Sit down," Don Matteo said, pointing to the two chairs across from him.

Makros and Leila sat. Her foot wouldn't stop tapping against the floor until Makros gently placed his hand on her leg. She got the message and stopped.

"Papa," Makros said, "we just found out... Leila's pregnant. You're going to be a grandfather."

At first, Don Matteo stayed quiet, face unreadable. But then, little by little, the cold look softened. Most people smiled with their mouths first but with the Don, the smile started in his eyes.

"You're pregnant, Leila?" he asked.

She nodded nervously, wiping her sweaty palms on her jeans. "Yes... just about a month in."

Don Matteo let out a soft chuckle, clearly pleased. Makros couldn't help but wonder if this was the same man who, just yesterday, doubted his marriage to her.

Don Matteo leaned back in his chair, still smiling to himself like he'd just heard some rare good news.

"Well," he said finally, "that's something. A grandchild."

Makros watched him closely. "You're okay with it?"

The Don raised an eyebrow. "Why wouldn't I be? It's done now. And besides..." He glanced at Leila. "This family could use some new life."

Leila let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Thank you, sir," she said softly.

"You can call me godfather," he said with a small nod. "Or Papa, if you'd like."

Leila blinked, stunned. She glanced at Makros, who looked just as surprised.

"Really?" she asked.

The Don gave a slow shrug. "You're family now. I can't change the past. But I can choose how I act moving forward."

Leila smiled, a little shaky but genuine. "Okay... Papa."

Makros reached over and held her hand, proud and relieved all at once.

Don Matteo tapped his fingers on the desk. "Does anyone else know yet?"

"No," Makros replied. "We wanted you to be the first."

"Ahem, Estele knows," Leila reminded him.

Makros scratched his beard. "Oh, yeah, and her."

"Good," the Don said. "Let's keep it that way for now. The timing... isn't perfect. But we'll handle it."

His tone was serious again, but not cold. Just firm, like a man already planning ten steps ahead.

Leila nodded. "We understand."

The Don stood up, and so did they.

"Thank you for telling me yourselves," he said, and then looked at Makros. "You've got responsibilities now. Make sure you're ready."

"I am," Makros said.

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