I wonder now, after all that I’ve learned about the Montebianco family, and all that has happened since that snowy December day, what my life would be like had I tossed the envelope into the recycling bin with the junk mail and old newspapers.
-- Narrator - Bert (Chapter 1)

Importance: Bert foreshadows that her Montebianco inheritance is not a stroke of luck or good fortune when she indicates it might have been better if she had just thrown the letter away. Looking back, she wonders what her life might have been like if she had not responded to the letter.

The lawyers representing the family estate looked for his heir.’ Tap, tap. ‘They have come to the conclusion that there is not one Montebianco left in the world.’ Tap, tap, tap. ‘Except you.
-- Nonna Sophia (Chapter 2)

Importance: Luca sends Bert to his Nonna Sophia with the hopes that she can help Bert translate the letter that she has received...