Chapter 227 Retributions

Chapter 227 Retributions
Over the next few days, news of Marco Bellini’s death spread like wildfire across the country. Newspapers, television stations, and even radio stations broadcast the story. To some, it came as a shock. While to others, it wasn’t surprising at all.

The exact cause of his death remained unknown to the public. Many people had their suspicions, but nobody dared to voice them too loudly. Rumors claimed he died in a warehouse fire. Others insisted he had somehow set himself ablaze.

As for the council members, they all had one person in mind. Still, nobody was foolish enough to mention Rico’s name. They were scared to meet the same fate as Marco and his father.

A day after Marco’s death, Rico tracked down Associates Domenico and Giuseppe at their penthouse just outside the city. He put two bullets through Domenico’s head without hesitation, then dragged Giuseppe to the edge of his own swimming pool and held him beneath the water.

Minutes later, the associate’s lifeless body floated in his own swimming pool.

Back at the Romano mansion, life had become much more peaceful as everything slowly returned to normal.

The school authorities reached out personally regarding Eli’s kidnapping. They apologized repeatedly and promised to strengthen the school security to ensure nothing like that could ever happen again.

Even so, Eli was still shaken by everything that had happened. He hadn’t returned to school yet and spent his days at the mansion. Thankfully, Sophia had become his favorite person to be around. Whether they were playing board games, watching comics, or simply talking about their favorite superhero, she always knew how to keep him calm.

Donna Marta had changed as well. She no longer avoided breakfast whenever Rico was around. Instead, she joined everyone at the table and even made an effort to include him in conversations. She smiled at him more often now, and although Rico’s responses remained somewhat stiff, he was no longer as cold as before.

The changes were small, but Calla noticed every single one. And each one made her happier than the last.

As for her relationship with Rico, things had never been better.

Without danger constantly lurking around them, they finally had the chance to enjoy each other properly. They went to the movies, visited restaurants, had picnics in the countryside, went hiking, and spent long evenings simply talking.

Rico found most of those activities painfully cheesy. At least, that was what he claimed, but he never once refused to go. Because if it made Calla smile, it was somehow worth it.

One afternoon, Calla convinced him to join her in baking cookies. She made sure the kitchen was reserved for just the two of them and was cleared of maids and the chef. 

The experience lasted less than thirty minutes before Rico nearly lost his patience. “Why are there so many steps?” he complained while staring at the recipe book. He flipped the pages, brows creasing deeply.

Calla burst into laughter. “Because that’s how baking works," she explained.

“It shouldn’t," he replied with a frown, and she laughed harder.

By the end of it, flour covered parts of the kitchen counter. Somehow, flour had also ended up on Rico’s black shirt. Calla had laughed so hard that tears filled her eyes.

Rico had spent the next five minutes chasing her around the kitchen with flour-covered hands.

When he finally caught her, she shrieked and immediately tried to escape again.



Another evening found them curled up on the couch in the room. A movie was playing in the background while Calla rested against his side.

Halfway through the film, Rico glanced down and realized she had fallen asleep. The sight made him smile despite himself.

Carefully, he adjusted the blanket over her shoulders and pulled her a little closer. Calla immediately snuggled deeper into his side without waking up.

Rico shook his head, then he returned his attention to the television, one arm wrapped securely around her.

Moments like these had become his favorite. Moments where nobody was trying to hurt them, threaten them, or take them away from each other.

Looking at her calm expression as she slept, he was content. He hoped these peaceful days would last for a very long time.

Suddenly, his phone rang, disturbing the silence in the room, and he cursed inwardly at how loud it was. He immediately stretched out his hand and grabbed it, putting it on mute before it could wake Calla.

He paused for a moment and glanced down at her. She shifted slightly against his side but didn’t wake up.

Only after he was sure she was still asleep did he look at the screen, and Consigliere Dario's name flashed on the screen.

Rico’s eyes narrowed slightly. He already knew what this was about without hearing it.

He hesitated, considering ignoring the call. He was comfortable where he was. Calla was asleep in his arms, the house was peaceful, and for once he didn’t feel like dealing with council matters.

Unfortunately, he knew Dario wouldn’t stop calling.

With a sigh, Rico carefully slid away from Calla and stood up. He quietly crossed the room and stepped into the walk-in closet before answering. “Consigliere Dario," he said.

“No 'Uncle' tonight?” Consigliere Dario teased, his tone calm and collected.

Rico rolled his eyes. “You only call me that when you want something.”

Dario chuckled. “Then I suppose you already know why I’m calling.”

Rico leaned against one of the shelves. He paused for a moment before speaking again. “The council.”

“The council," Consigliere Dario repeated.

Silence stretched between them for a moment. Then Rico sighed. “What do they want now?”

“They want you at The Palazzo tomorrow morning.”

His jaw tightened. “What for?” He asked even though he already knew the answer.

Dario didn’t bother hiding his smile. He could be heard adjusting on his leather chair through the phone. “To discuss your future.”

“My future." Rico almost scoffed loudly. He peeped out the door and glanced at Calla. He only relaxed when he saw she was still sleeping.

“Your position as Don," Consigliere Dario said. The words settled heavily between them. 

A few weeks ago, Rico would have shut the conversation down immediately. Marco had been their choice, even when they were aware of how dangerous he was if given that much power. Now he was gone and they're asking for him.

But that was before. Now, he didn't dismiss the topic immediately. He only pondered in silence.

Consigliere Dario waited, expecting another refusal. Instead, Rico simply nodded. “Fine.”

The silence on the other end was almost comical. “Fine?” Consigliere Dario repeated.

“You heard me.”

“You are actually agreeing?”

Rico smirked slightly. “Do you suggest I change my mind?"

A relieved laugh escaped Consigliere Dario. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

The call ended shortly afterward. Rico stared at the dark screen for a few seconds before slipping the phone into his pocket, and he returned to the bedroom. 

Calla hadn’t moved. She was still curled up exactly where he had left her.

A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Tomorrow would be complicated. Tonight wasn’t.

Carefully, he climbed back onto the couch and pulled her into his arms. Within minutes, sleep claimed him too.