Chapter 42

Looking at Virio's face, I knew he must be struggling inside right now. After all, Hadrian was his cousin.

Though I wasn't clear about the relationships within his family, just from the few words Virio had mentioned about him before, I could tell they had a pretty good relationship.

I could see that what happened really hurt Virio deeply.

I didn't know what to say, so I stepped forward, stood on my tiptoes, and wrapped my arms around Virio's neck.

"I know you must be really sad right now..." I said softly.

Even though he was much taller than me, I still tried my best to press my body close to his and comfort him quietly.

I pressed my cheek against Virio's.

His cheek felt a bit cold, and I could even feel the slight twitching at the corner of his mouth where our faces touched.

After a long while, Virio suddenly picked me up and put me on the bed, holding me in his arms. "I never thought it would be him."

"Same here. When I heard about this, I also thought it was just someone around you who had a problem."

Who would have thought it would be Virio's own family member?

But I also understood very well that even after something like this happened, Virio wouldn't cry.

Sure enough, he just held me, his arms locked around me like iron chains, but he didn't say anything.

I could feel his body trembling, but Virio never shed a tear. "Alright, this matter has to be dealt with."

"You've had a shock today, so rest here for now. I'll go outside and check on things."

As Virio got up and walked to the door, I suddenly called out to him.

When Virio turned back to look at me, I saw a flash of confusion in his eyes, but moments later it became firm and resolute again.

I said softly, "Mr. Soren, I just want to tell you that no matter what happens, I'll be by your side."

"I'm not like him. You still have many people who support you."

Facing my heartfelt confession, Virio didn't say anything, just smiled slightly and turned to leave.

The door closed, and I rolled over.

I realized this seemed to be Virio's private rest room. The whole room's decor was very similar to his bedroom at home.

Everything was black, white, and gray modern industrial design, and even the decorations around were extremely minimalist.

Only the blanket covering me was snow white.

Thinking back on everything that happened today, I suddenly felt cold.

I pulled the blanket tightly around myself.

Moments later, there was suddenly a scream from outside, followed by a burst of chaotic noise.

I wanted to go out and see what was happening, but thinking of Virio's instructions and everything that happened today, an uncontrollable wave of drowsiness came over me.

Moments later, I closed my eyes.

When I woke up again, I heard someone talking nearby.

It seemed to be Virio on the phone.

"I know, but something this big happened. If I don't handle it myself, everyone will follow his example!" His voice contained tremendous anger. "Why don't you tell me what I should do?"

Noticing I was awake, he seemed to lower his voice and looked up at me.

I lay in bed looking at him seriously too, until he walked over holding his phone.

He seemed to be on the phone with family, talking about Hadrian.

Then I heard Virio's voice become even heavier. "Yes, I pulled the trigger myself."

"In front of everyone. I wanted them to know the consequences of betraying me."

Hearing this, I trembled all over and grabbed his hand in disbelief.

My eyes were full of questions.

But Virio nodded at me, then his voice became even lower. "This matter ends here. From now on, no one in the family is allowed to mention Hadrian's name again."

He hung up the phone directly and tossed it aside.

Virio stood by the bed, and I held his hand. When he turned to look at me, my breath caught for no reason. The next second, he lunged forward, pinning me firmly to the bed.

I thought Virio was going to do something to me.

But unexpectedly, he just pressed down on me, quietly holding me, his body covering mine completely.

I could feel his emotions surging at this moment.

This was clearly someone who had just executed his own cousin with his own hands, but as he held me, I felt safe.

After a while, I gently stroked his hair and asked, "You killed Hadrian?"

As these words left my mouth, I felt my voice trembling slightly. "Yes. If I told you I'm such a ruthless person, would you be afraid?"

Hearing him say this, I shook my head. "What are you talking about? Just the day before yesterday, I killed someone right in front of you."

"Elvira, you know very well these two things are different. The person you killed was just a stranger, and he was trying to hurt me. But the person I killed was..."

I interrupted Virio. "What's the difference? Hadrian betrayed you too, so he became a stranger."

"He told so much information to others, knowing full well that Camorra and you are enemies, knowing that Alberto has recently gathered so many family members intending to bring you down, but Hadrian still followed them without hesitation. He clearly gained so many benefits from you, yet he chose to follow your enemies. This kind of betrayal deserves no sympathy." I spoke for a long time, my tone gentle.

Virio still held me, his head buried in my shoulder. He was all muscle, and pressing down on me now actually made me feel slightly suffocated.

But I could feel the deep emotions building up in his chest, so I couldn't bear to push him away.

We hugged for a very long time before Virio finally said to me, "It's not just about executing Hadrian. I also have to clean up the mess he left behind."

"For a while, I'm going to be very busy. And those forces in the family who oppose me, I'm afraid I'll need to reorganize them too."

I showed my understanding. "Just focus on what you need to do. I won't disturb you."

"It's okay, you'll still live with me. I'll have time every day, and you can still learn self-defense with me." Virio still hadn't forgotten what he promised me.

He said that after being by his side for so long, I should understand many principles of protecting myself.

I did well with the shooting last time, but he hoped that next time I encountered such a situation, I could protect myself even better.

I leaned against Virio and closed my eyes.

The next day, I heard that Virio began reorganizing those small families that had connections with Camorra.

Those willing to follow Virio could still stay, but they had to pledge loyalty.